People suffer in water transport strike across country
Water
transport workers start a nationwide indefinite strike early midnight
on November 30, 2019 to press home their 11-point demand, causing huge
sufferings to passengers. The photo was taken at Sadarghat launch
Terminal in Dhaka. Photo: Star/ Prabir Das
River communications across the country came to a near halt
today as a section of water transport workers went on a work abstention
since midnight, causing immense sufferings to the commuters and
hampering business activities.
Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation (BWTWF) announced the countrywide work abstention to press home their 11-point demand that include implementation of wage scale 2016, issuance of identity cards, service books, appointment letters.
while talking to The Daily Star today, the federation's General
Secretary Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam said, “Workers are observing the work
abstention programme spontaneously across the country except a few
areas”.
He also claimed that the workers across the country expressed their solidarity with their movement.
Operation of all types of passenger and cargo vessels remained suspended from 12midnight.
People were seen waiting at the terminals for vessels to reach their respective destinations.
Passengers were left in a confused state. Some of them were seen leaving the terminals following this uncertainty.
Loading and unloading of goods at two seaports and major river ports were severely disrupted, dealing a blow to traders.
In Chattogram, loading and unloading of imported goods to and from lighter vessels at 16 private jetties in the city's Sadarghat and Majhirghat area remained suspended since early morning due to the work abstention of water transport workers.
In Khulna, movement of all water transports were halted to the strike, resulting in suspension of cargo handling at Mongla Seaport. Loading and unloading goods to and from lighter vessels at different private jetties in the city were also suspended.
Besides, the strike also affected the water transport operation in Chandpur, Barishal and many other districts, reports our correspondents.
The federation announced the indefinite strike yesterday period through a press release.
WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS?
The demands include implementation of the pay scale of 2016, trial of the attackers; stopping extortion and robbery in vessels; providing appointment letters to workers, issuing identity cards and service books to workers; ensuring social safety of workers; and providing a compensation of Tk 10 lakh to a worker in case of his death while on duty.
Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation (BWTWF) announced the countrywide work abstention to press home their 11-point demand that include implementation of wage scale 2016, issuance of identity cards, service books, appointment letters.
Commuters wait at Sadarghat Launch Terminal for launch services. Photo: Star/Prabir Das
He also claimed that the workers across the country expressed their solidarity with their movement.
Operation of all types of passenger and cargo vessels remained suspended from 12midnight.
Passengers were left in a confused state. Some of them were seen leaving the terminals following this uncertainty.
Loading and unloading of goods at two seaports and major river ports were severely disrupted, dealing a blow to traders.
In Chattogram, loading and unloading of imported goods to and from lighter vessels at 16 private jetties in the city's Sadarghat and Majhirghat area remained suspended since early morning due to the work abstention of water transport workers.
In Khulna, movement of all water transports were halted to the strike, resulting in suspension of cargo handling at Mongla Seaport. Loading and unloading goods to and from lighter vessels at different private jetties in the city were also suspended.
Besides, the strike also affected the water transport operation in Chandpur, Barishal and many other districts, reports our correspondents.
The federation announced the indefinite strike yesterday period through a press release.
WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS?
The demands include implementation of the pay scale of 2016, trial of the attackers; stopping extortion and robbery in vessels; providing appointment letters to workers, issuing identity cards and service books to workers; ensuring social safety of workers; and providing a compensation of Tk 10 lakh to a worker in case of his death while on duty.
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