Prime mover owners issue 11-point demands, threaten strike
They have threatened to go on strike if their demands are not fulfilled by 9 February
The Chattogram Prime Mover and Flatbed Owners Association has issued an 11-point demand to the government, including calls to repeal or amend certain sections of the Road Transport Act-2018 that they deem to impose excessive fines.
The association has given authorities a 14-day ultimatum to address their demands. Failing to do so, they have threatened to launch a 48-hour strike starting at 6am on 10 February.
Md Abu Saleh Jewel, president of the association, announced these programmes at a press conference held at the Chattogram Press Club today (27 January).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
At the briefing, Jewel emphasised the critical role played by prime movers and flatbeds in the country's economy.
"At least 85% of the country's goods are transported via roads and highways, and 95% of port-related activities, including those at Chattogram Port, depend on our vehicles," he said.
Jewel further said, "Despite consistently providing services during challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and political unrest, we continue to face neglect, deprivation, and injustice from the government."
He urged authorities to fulfill the 11-point demands by 9 February, warning that failure to do so would leave them with no choice but to initiate the planned strike.
Mohammad Hossain, general secretary of the association, presented the detailed demands at the event.
The 11-point demands include formulating a policy to determine trailer and flatbed fares based on weight and mileage and bringing all previously registered trailers under a unified registration system managed by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
They also sought a clear designation for vehicles carrying 20-foot containers and demand an end to cases and harassment related to vehicle modifications.
Furthermore, they requested the withdrawal of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other fees imposed on tax tokens and route permits, consolidating them into a single document. They advocated for a reduction in the advance income tax for rented vehicles to a maximum of Tk 10,000 and a 50% reduction in tax token fees.
The association also demanded streamlining the process of obtaining heavy-duty licenses from BRTA and calls for the standardization of weighing scales across the country to eliminate extortion under the guise of load control at bridges.
Additionally, they demanded the establishment of a dedicated prime mover trailer terminal at Chittagong Port, the designation of parking areas for goods-laden vehicles within the port, the repeal of conflicting sections of the Road Transport Act that contradict the Bangladesh Labor Act, the enhancement of the safety and security of drivers and helpers, and the addressing of the issue of theft and robbery targeting goods transport on highways nationwide.
