Chittagong: There is no traffic and passenger pressure in Chittagong even on the second day of the three-day blockade called by BNP-Jamaat. The long-distance bus did not leave.
On Wednesday (November 1) morning, no long-distance bus left Chittagong. Rows of buses and chaircoaches were seen around the city’s inter-district terminal.
Chittagong to Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Comilla and other 117 routes of the country leave regular vehicles. Out of this 7-8 routes have more number of vehicles. These vehicles did not leave the city’s BRTC bus terminal, Shubopur bus stand, Kadmatoli bus stand, third Karnaphuli bridge area, AK Khan Mor, Alankar, Bahaddarhat bus terminal and other areas.
Traffic has been limited on the highway since morning. As a result, people going out to work have to suffer. Besides, many people were seen waiting for a long time on the highway for buses. But the train is running. Rickshaws, CNG autorickshaws, minibuses ply on the road.
Meanwhile, some teams of BGB, RAB, Police, Ansar members are starting patrolling in various places of Chittagong including Dhaka-Chittagong highway under the leadership of 6 executive magistrates. Police personnel are present at almost all points of the city.
A school teacher of Banskhali upazila told Banglanews that when he went out to go to school in the morning, he saw that there were no vehicles on the highway. So waiting for the bus. I don’t know when I will get the bus.
Bus driver Bablu told Banglanews that many people are in fear. Not going out by bus. Incidents of setting fire to buses are happening. Passengers and drivers are scared. I was forced to take the bus down the road because of my stomach.
Joint General Secretary of Chittagong Road Transport Owners Group Mohammad Shahajahan told Banglanews that the number of public transport is low. No passengers. People are in panic. Driver-helper owners are suffering financial losses due to less passengers. Long-distance buses are not running due to safety concerns.
Bangladesh Time: 1140 hours, November 1, 2023
BE/AC/TC
