River transport workers on indefinite strike

River transport workers across the country went on a wildcat strike for indefinite period since early today to press home their 15-point demand.

All kinds of river transport movements including launch, trawler, barge, tanker, lighter remain suspended since 12:01am, causing immense sufferings of the people. 

Bangladesh Water Transport Workers’ Federation (BWTWF) called the wildcat strike to realise their demands which includes Tk 10,000 minimum wage and increase of other benefits, reports our Barisal correspondent.

Asked whether the government will sit with the workers, BWTWF President Shah Alam told The Daily Star at noon that they did not know anything about its decision.

The government is yet to take any decision in this regard, an official of shipping ministry told our reporter around 12:15pm.

Contacted, Shikder Abul Hashem, president of the federation, Barisal unit, said that the shipping minister on January 26 assured them of meeting their demand by 30 days but the government is yet to take any measures in this regard.

“That’s why, we decided to observe the strike,” he said.