Transport strike in Khulna div called off

The indefinite transport strike in the country's south-western region was called off Monday following a fruitful meeting with the government, reports UNB.

The Paribahan Malik-Sramik Oikya Parishad (Bus Owners and Workers Federation) called the indefinite strike in the Khulna Division on May 19 to press home their six-point demand.

State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan came up with the announcement after a meeting with the leaders of bus owners and workers and the law enforcement agencies at the Secretariat Monday evening.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan was present at the meeting.

President of Khulna Division Bangladesh Road Transport Federation Azizul Alam Mintu also announced the withdrawal of the strike.

Asad said they would look into the six-point demand of the federation.

The demands include forming a high-level probe committee on the May 18 Shohagh Paribahan robbery incident in Madhukhali upazila of Faridpur district, unconditional release of the three staff of the Shohagh Paribahan bus and identifying the reasons of robbery in Madhukhali area where 10 robbery incidents took place earlier.

The junior minister said the Madhukhali robbery case has been shifted to the  Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for fair investigation. "Legal action will be taken after the investigation,"he said.

A robber involved in the incident has already been arrested and the rest will be arrested soon, he said.

Besides, a two-member probe committee has been formed to investigate frequent robbery incidents in Madhukhali area. Joint secretary of the Home Ministry and additional DIG of Police Headquarters have been made members of the committee.

Earlier, a gang of robbers looted valuables from a Benapole-bound bus of Shohagh Paribahan from Dhaka in Madhukhali Upazila of Faridpur district on May 18. Later, police arrested three staff of the bus-driver Ainal, his helper Apu and checker Ratan-in connection with the incident.