Tragedy struck the Dhaka-Aricha highway on Thursday morning when a speeding passenger bus operated by Selfie Paribahan crushed a battery-run easy-bike in Shibaloy upazila of Manikganj, leaving two people dead and two others critically injured. The incident triggered intense outrage among the local populace, leading to the vandalism of the vehicle and a prolonged blockade on the key transport artery.
The deceased were identified as easy-bike driver Babul Mia (30), son of Mozahar Mia, and passenger Yasin Arafat (22), son of Shahin Mia, both hailing from Mouhali village in Ghior upazila. The collision also severely injured Yasin's parents, Shahin Mia (45) and Rozina Begum (40), who were traveling with him. First responders promptly rescued the injured couple and admitted them to a nearby hospital, where their conditions remain critical.
According to highway police, the fire service, and eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 9:30 AM when the Dhaka-bound Selfie Paribahan bus was coming from Paturia. As the easy-bike carrying passengers entered the highway near the Barangail bus stand, the bus rammed it violently from behind. The impact instantly killed Yasin on the spot, while the driver, Babul Mia, succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
Following the fatal collision, agitated locals and commuters gathered at the scene, vandalized the bus, and blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway. The protesters chanted slogans demanding the immediate cancellation of the route permit for Selfie Paribahan, a bus service that has gained notoriety locally for reckless driving and frequent fatal collisions. The demonstration brought traffic to a complete standstill on both sides of the highway for nearly two hours, causing immense distress to long-distance travelers.
Upon receiving the report, units from the Ghior Fire Service, Barangail Highway Police Station, and Shibaloy Police Station rushed to the scene. Law enforcement officials eventually pacified the demonstrators and restored normal traffic movement. Police confirmed that although the bus was seized, the driver and conductor fled immediately after the accident, and operations are underway to apprehend them.
Local residents expressed profound anger over recurring accidents involving the same transport operator, pointing out that several memorandums had previously been submitted to the Manikganj Deputy Commissioner, along with human chains and protests, yet decisive administrative measures remain absent.
