Rail workers' protest disrupts communication

FE REPORT

Temporary workers of Bangladesh Railway (BR) staged a sit-in near Kawran Bazar in the capital, leaving the rail communication between Dhaka and most parts of the country disrupted for over two hours on Tuesday.

Several labourers blocked the FDC rail-crossing at around 10:40 am, demanding arrears of five months and an increase in wages.

Officials said train operation was restored after the workers withdrew their protest at around 12:45 pm.

The protesters, who have been working as gatekeepers, waymen, and office assistants, however, said the strike had been postponed to December 21, as the railway authorities assured them of clearing the dues by Thursday.

According to BR, the strike halted operation of a total five trains including Titas, Turag and Joydevpur commuter trains. Other train schedules remain unchanged.

However, some train schedules had to be delayed, including Ognibina.

On March 26, they also staged a protest, pressing for their same demands. There are around 7,500 workers employed temporarily across the country.

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