Hanif Paribahan
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Locale | Bangladesh |
| Service area | Nationwide |
| Service type | Intercity bus service |
| Operator | Hanif Paribahan Ltd. |
| Website | https://hanifenterprisebd.com/ |
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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ "Eid trip to north gets expensive". The Daily Star. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Long-haul bus operators still in a tight corner". The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Who to blame for dangerous driving of coaches on Bangladesh highways - drivers, owners, or authorities?". Bdnews24.com. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "'BCL men' vandalise Hanif Paribahan counter". The Daily Star. 14 October 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b c d "Bus driver confesses to NSU student Payel killing". The Daily Star. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "ACC interrogates Hanif Paribahan owner Kafil Uddin". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Amassing illegal wealth: ACC summons 3 Hanif Enterprise owners for questioning". The Business Standard. 2020-08-23. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Transport leaders call strike demanding release of Hanif Paribahan driver". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Aug 21 grenade attack convicts: Where are they?". Bdnews24.com. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Aug 21 grenade attack: Accused and charges". The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Hearing on plea against acquittal of all convicts in Aug 21 grenade attack cases starts". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ a b c Hossain, Anowar (2024-08-22). "Extortion in transport sector changes hands from AL to BNP". Prothomalo. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Bus missing from Gaibandha terminal". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2025-05-24.