People suffer as countrywide transport strike continues

Transport workers in Khulna have continued bus strike for the consecutive third day demanding amendment of some provisions of the newly enforced Road Transport Act.

Bus services from Khulna to Dhaka and other long distance routes are halted due to the strike.

Besides, the number of passengers has increased in Khulna Rail Station due to the shortage of bus.

President of Khulna Motor Sramik Union Md Nurul Islam Beby said, "Transport workers called the strike for an indefinite period and will continue it until their demanded amendments are done."

In Jashore, strike on 18 routes is underway to press home 10-point demand including amendment to the new Transport Act.

However, Shramik leaders of the district claimed they have no involvement with the ongoing strike.    

Additional Police Superintendent of Jashore Police Station Md Mowhidul Islam said, "Discussion regarding the strike is not been being fruitful as the strike has not been continuing under Sharamik union banner. Still, the discussion is underway to ease the situation."

Some drivers claimed that they have been obstructed while tried to ply vehicle on roads.

Commuter Bablu Kumar said, no one is taking our misery into account. Stern actions should be taken against those who are responsible for this situation.   

In Bogura, internal bus services are running but long distance bus service from Dhaka to Bogura are halted, confirmed Shamsuddin Sheikh Helal, general secretary of Motor Sramik Union.

In Gazipur, bus workers blocked Dhaka-Mymensingh highway today demanding cancellation of the new law.

Hundreds of bus workers took to the streets and put up barricade at Mawna intersection in Sreepur area on the highway around 8am, causing sufferings to commuters.  

In Mymensingh, drivers and workers have halted bus services on long distance routes, triggering immense sufferings to commuters.

Candidates who had admission test at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University yesterday, could not present timely at their centres due to the lack of vehicles on the road. Therefore, they could not sit for the exam. They urged to withdraw the strike as they have other university admission tests.  

However, internal bus services are running in the district.

General Secretary of District Bus Owners' Association Mahbubur Rahman said, "Owners are not involved with the strike."

In Rajshahi, buses are moving inside the district, though the presence of buses on the road is lesser.

Bus drivers are overcharging taking advantage of the situation, alleged some passengers.

President of Rajshahi Motor Sramik Union Jahangir Ali said, "Bus are running on the road like a normal day. However, few buses are coming to Rajshahi from other districts."

Protesting the new Road Transport Act, internal and other long distance routes bus services have been halted in Chuadanga, Meherpur and Jhenaidah districts until the amendments of some sections of the law are made.  

General Secretary of Chuadanga Zila Bus Truck Malik Shramik Union Ripon Mandal said, "Workers called strike for their own interest."