Md. Sohel, a bus driver from Noakhali’s Maijdee, is currently undergoing treatment after a shocking attack on Eid night that has raised serious concerns about road safety and law enforcement. The incident unfolded when a group of young men on motorcycles chased a moving passenger bus for nearly 40 kilometers, allegedly infuriated because the driver did not give them way.
The bus, operated by Ekushey Paribahan, was en route from Dhaka to Noakhali. According to police reports, the trouble began after the vehicle passed through Comilla Cantonment. At that point, a group of 8 to 10 young men on motorcycles began following the bus, enraged over what seems to be a minor road incident — not being allowed to overtake.
Driver Md. Sohel, aware of the safety of his passengers, did not stop or reduce speed despite the hostile pursuit. The chase continued until the bus reached the Chhatarpaiya intersection in the Sonaimuri area of Noakhali. When the bikers failed to stop the bus, they resorted to violence, hurling bricks at the moving vehicle. One of the bricks struck Sohel in the face, severely injuring his jaw and head. He suffered multiple injuries — two bricks hit his head, his jaw was crushed, and two of his lower teeth were broken. Doctors later administered 31 stitches to his head and face.
Despite bleeding and in pain, Sohel kept driving until he reached the Sudharam Police Station in Noakhali, ensuring that all passengers could safely disembark and seek refuge at the station. His assistant, Rahat, confirmed that the driver never stopped the vehicle until he knew his passengers were out of harm’s way.
The bus owner, Md. Zahirul Islam, has struggled to file a formal complaint due to bureaucratic obstacles. He first approached Sudharam Model Police Station, from where he was redirected to Sonaimuri Station. There, he was told to go to Laksam Police Station instead — a loop of referrals that delayed legal action.
CCTV footage from that night shows a group of young men on motorcycles gathered near a roadside shop, visibly agitated before launching the chase. Comilla Highway Police Superintendent Md. Khairul Alam stated that the young men involved are not known criminals, but emphasized that highway police are not authorized to file such cases.
Noakhali Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Faruk said they are looking into the incident and are ready to take the case if the bus owner proceeds with filing it. However, as of now, no formal case has been accepted.
The incident has sparked public outrage and fear. Many are questioning how a minor road conflict could escalate into such a violent, coordinated attack — and what this means for ordinary citizens trying to travel safely. While a brave driver risked his life to protect his passengers, the attackers remain free, raising serious concerns about accountability on the roads.
FP/Raj
