Hanif Paribahan

Last updated
Hanif Paribahan
Founded1984
HeadquartersDhaka, Bangladesh
LocaleBangladesh
Service areaNationwide
Service typeIntercity bus service
OperatorHanif Paribahan Ltd.

Hanif Paribahan or Hanif Enterprise is a major intercity bus operator in Bangladesh, known for providing long-distance passenger transport across the country. [1] [2] [3] The company offers services connecting major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi. Kafil Uddin is the owner of Hanif Paribahan. [2]

History

Hanif Paribahan was established in 1984 by Mohammed Hanif and Zoynul Abedin. [4] [5] It gained prominence for its relatively modern fleet and extensive network. [4]

On 26 July 2018, the driver of a Hanif Paribahan bus confessed to the killing of Saidur Rahman Payel, a BBA student of North South University, following a similar confession by the bus supervisor a day earlier. [6] According to the confession given under Section 164, Payel had exited the bus to relieve himself during a traffic jam near Bhaterchar on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, and was severely injured while attempting to reboard. [6] The driver, along with the supervisor and helper, then threw the unconscious student into a canal from Bhaterchar Bridge at around 4:00 am, assuming he was dead. [6] All three accused were arrested, and a murder case was filed at Gazaria Police Station. [6]

On 14 October 2018, the Hanif Paribahan ticket counter in the Dampara area of Chattogram was vandalised by a group allegedly affiliated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League. [4] Witnesses reported that approximately 30 individuals entered the counter, chanting political slogans, and damaging property. [4] The attackers claimed the action was due to the company’s alleged connection to a convicted criminal. [4] A banner left at the scene read: "Bir Chattolar matite khuni Hanif-er paribhan cholbena" ("Killer Hanif's buses won't operate in Chattogram"). [4] Another Hanif Paribahan counter near the Shah Amanat Bridge was also closed by force on the same day. [4] Local BCL leaders denied any organized involvement in the incident. [4] In 2020, the Anti-Corruption Commission interrogated the owners of Hanif Paribahan including Kafil Uddin, younger brother of Hanif. [7] [8] In 2022, the transport sector called a strike after a driver of Hanif Paribahan was arrested over the death of 17 passengers in a road accident. [9]

Mohammed Hanif was convicted and sentenced to death in connection with the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack case. [4] [10] He was accused of being involved in the planning of the attack. [11] After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, the case was dismissed by the High Court Division in December 2024, squashing his conviction. [12] Following the fall, control of several transport sector offices—including those previously overseen by Awami League–affiliated leaders—reportedly passed to figures aligned with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). [13] Hanif Paribahan's owner, Kafil Uddin, a local BNP leader, was named as having taken over the Gabtoli terminal-based Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association office, previously controlled by Shyamoli Paribahan officials. [13] Though Kafil denied orchestrating a takeover, the transition occurred amid broader allegations of politically driven extortion within the transport sector, where Hanif Paribahan has operated as one of the key players. [13] In November a bus of the company was stolen from Gaibandha Terminal. [14]

References

  1. "Eid trip to north gets expensive". The Daily Star. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Long-haul bus operators still in a tight corner". The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  3. "Who to blame for dangerous driving of coaches on Bangladesh highways - drivers, owners, or authorities?". Bdnews24.com . Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "'BCL men' vandalise Hanif Paribahan counter". The Daily Star. 14 October 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  5. "Hanif Paribahan founder Zoynul Abedin dies with Covid-19". The Daily Star. 2020-11-12. Archived from the original on 2023-06-18. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Bus driver confesses to NSU student Payel killing". The Daily Star. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  7. "ACC interrogates Hanif Paribahan owner Kafil Uddin". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  8. "Amassing illegal wealth: ACC summons 3 Hanif Enterprise owners for questioning". The Business Standard. 2020-08-23. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  9. "Transport leaders call strike demanding release of Hanif Paribahan driver". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  10. "Aug 21 grenade attack convicts: Where are they?". Bdnews24.com . Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  11. "Aug 21 grenade attack: Accused and charges". The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  12. "Hearing on plea against acquittal of all convicts in Aug 21 grenade attack cases starts". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  13. 1 2 3 Hossain, Anowar (2024-08-22). "Extortion in transport sector changes hands from AL to BNP". Prothomalo. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  14. "Bus missing from Gaibandha terminal". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2025-05-24.