Comilla is bracing for potential disruption as the city’s principal transport owners’ association, the Comilla Bus Owners’ Association, has announced a suspension of bus services on approximately 40 key routes starting Thursday morning, if their demands regarding route permissions are not met.
The industrial dispute centres on ID Transport, which has been operating services on the Comilla–Chandpur route. The association has called for a halt to all ID Transport operations from the Jangalia Bus Terminal, citing lack of proper local permits as the core issue.
According to transport officials, Comilla’s three major terminals—Jangalia, Shashangacha, and Chawk Bazar—serve thousands of buses and minibuses daily, operating on routes connecting Comilla with Chittagong, Sylhet, Dhaka, and Chandpur, as well as numerous internal routes.
Background of the Dispute:
| Aspect | Details |
| Transport Operator | ID Transport |
| Route | Comilla–Chandpur |
| Permit Status | Approved by Chandpur District Administration; not approved by Comilla District Administration |
| Operational Changes | Since February, services moved from Jangalia Bus Terminal to a temporary location at Paduar Bazar on Bishwaroad due to permit issues |
| Recent Incident | On 16 December, attempts to bring some buses back to Jangalia Terminal were blocked by local union leaders; further threats of strike issued |
Statements from Key Figures:
- Mir Parvez Alam, Chairman of ID Transport, stated:
“Although we hold a permit from Chandpur authorities, the Comilla Bus Owner Group has repeatedly obstructed our operations. Despite the absence of any legal barrier, the Comilla District Administration has withheld clearance letters, forcing us to operate from an alternative location.” - Md. Tajul Islam, Executive President of the Comilla Bus Owners’ Association, commented:
“ID Transport is attempting to use the Jangalia terminal without a local route permit. We have warned them repeatedly, and if buses are brought to the terminal on Thursday, no services will depart from the city’s three stations. We have communicated our concerns to the District Administration.” - Mohammad Zafar Sadiq, Additional District Magistrate of Comilla, said:
“We have spoken to both parties. The city’s transport leaders have made it clear that ID Transport buses cannot enter the Jangalia terminal. We have directed them to operate from Paduar Bazar. Non-compliance will result in legal action.”
The looming shutdown threatens to paralyse commuter transport across Comilla, potentially affecting tens of thousands of passengers who rely on these vital bus services daily. The authorities are continuing dialogue in an attempt to avert a full-scale strike.