Jahangirnagar University students detain six buses following fare dispute and alleged assault

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Students at Jahangirnagar University seized six buses belonging to the Moumita Paribahan service on the Dhaka-Aricha highway Saturday evening, following an incident involving the alleged mistreatment of a student over half-fare bus rates. The confrontation occurred after an altercation broke out between a bus assistant and a university student regarding transit costs.

The incident began when Md. Hiru Mia, a student from the university’s economics department, boarded a Moumita Paribahan bus at Gabtoli with two companions. Upon reaching Aminbazar, the student presented his identification and offered reduced fare for all three passengers. According to statements provided by the students, the bus assistant refused the half-fare payment and threatened to forcibly eject Mia at Hemayetpur. The situation escalated when the assistant reportedly grabbed the student by his collar during a verbal argument.

Seeking to hold the transport service accountable, Mia and his peers organized at the university’s main gate to intercept the vehicle. Although the initial bus managed to evade the students, the group pursued it to the Bishmail gate area, where they eventually detained the vehicle. Following the standoff, the driver and assistant fled the scene, prompting the students to seize five additional buses from the same company and bring them onto the university campus.

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The university proctor, Professor A.K.M. Rashidul Alam, confirmed that he has received a formal written complaint from the victim. He stated that the administration is currently in communication with the transport authorities to determine the appropriate course of action.

In an interview with local media, a driver for one of the detained buses, Md. Sajib Khan, claimed that his company typically honors half-fare policies for students. He noted that the disconnect often stems from a lack of oversight regarding bus staff, as drivers frequently operate alongside assistants hired by bus owners with whom they have little prior relationship, making it difficult to monitor the conduct of all personnel.