Transport strike in 15 southern dists

KHULNA, Apr 3 (UNB): A 24-hour transport strike is being observed in 16 districts of the southern part of the country since Tuesday morning demanding repair of the Khulna-Jashore highway.

The fuel oil distributors and Tank Lorry Owners Association members are observing the strike which began around 9am Tuesday and will continue until 9:00am Wednesday, said Sheikh Farhad Hossain, general secretary of the organisation's Khulna divisional.

The districts are-Faridpur, Gopalganj, Rajbari, Madaripur, Shariatpur and 10 districts of Khulna division.

The general secretary also said the Khulna-Jashore highway became unfit for plying vehicles. Cracks have been developed in different places which are causing damages to vehicles.

"Accidents are being occurred each day. The same condition is prevailing for the last couple of years but no initiatives were taken yet," he added.

The decision was taken in a joint meeting of fuel oil distributors and tank lorry owners and workers on April 01.

Following the strike, plying of fuel tanks and fuel oil handling remained suspended in all the districts. Tank, lorry owners, drivers and workers staged demonstration in front of Khalishpur Meghna Petroleum depot supporting the strike.

Meanwhile, fuel supply to 15 districts in the northern area remained suspended due to the strike.