The indefinite transport strike enforced by the workers of passenger and cargo vessels on the river routes across the country entered the second consecutive day on Monday (Nov 28), causing sufferings to passengers.
 
Besides, goods transportation from mother vessels to Chattogram port and from Chattogram to other parts of the country remained suspended due to the strike.

Bangladesh Naujan Sramik Sangram Parishad enforced the strike to press home their 10-point charter of demands.

The demands included the raising of the minimum monthly wage to Tk 20,000 from Tk 7,750, along with food allowance and marine allowance, an appointment letter, an identity card, and a service book for the workers, formation of a contributory provident fund and a welfare fund to ensure the social security of the workers, and Tk 10 lakh as compensation for accidents and deaths during duty.

Naujan Sramik Federation, Barisal General Secretary Sheikh Abul Hossain said the strike continued for the second consecutive day.

‘Our strike will continue until our demands are fulfilled,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, due to the launch strike, passengers going to and from Dhaka and the southern districts have been facing hardship.

Besides, businesses are also suffering a great deal with suspended transportation of goods by river.

According to Banglanwes correspondent, no launch has left from Elisha and Veduria of Bhola on domestic and long-haul routes. Passengers found no launch service even on Bhola-Laxmipur route today.

Many passengers arrived at these ghats, but could not reach their destination. Some of them waited for hours and finally returned. Women and children suffered the most.

A passenger Nargis Akhter said, "I came to Bhola for a visit, and now I will go to Barisal. But there is no launch today. There are some small trawlers here. But it is very risky."

BDST: 1358 HRS, NOV 28, 2022
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