Water transport workers go on indefinite strike

Water transport workers across the country went on an indefinite strike from Friday midnight to press home their 11-point demand, including increasing wages.

Bangladesh Water Transport Workers’ Federation called the strike.

The workers’ demands include providing risk allowance, stopping extortion along with ensuring clean water and food.

Passengers woes intensified as movement of all types of vessels remained halted on 33 routes including Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Vandira and Jhalakati.

Operation of lighter vessels were also suspended at Chattogram river port.

Bangladesh Water Transport Workers’ Federation president Shah Alam Bhuiyan, said this is the third time they are going on strike to realize their demands.

They have been forced to go on an indefinite strike since their demands are yet to be fulfilled, he added.

BIWTA’s Joint Director (Dhaka river port), AKM Arifuddin, said the owners and workers are scheduled to hold talks around 11am.