Transport workers suspend strike in Sylhet ahead of talks with divisional commissioner
During the strike, long queues of passengers were seen at Sylhet’s Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal, where buses remained stationary at their counters
Transport workers in Sylhet suspended their work stoppage this afternoon (8 July) after a meeting was scheduled with the divisional commissioner to discuss their six-point demand, which includes the reopening of stone quarries.
The strike began in the morning, halting most bus and truck operations in the city and causing severe disruption for passengers.
However, the workers announced around 1pm that the strike was suspended for the time being.
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Moinul Islam, president of the Bus-Minibus, Coach-Microbus Workers Union, confirmed the decision to suspend the strike and said the meeting would take place at 3pm.
The work stoppage had been announced yesterday evening (7 July) by the Sylhet District Road Transport Bus-Minibus Owners Association and the Sylhet District Road Transport Bus-Minibus, Coach-Microbus Workers Union at a press conference.
During the strike, long queues of passengers were seen at Sylhet's Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal, where buses remained stationary at their counters.
Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of available transport and inflated fares demanded by rental car owners.
Sayma Akter, who had travelled from Majortila with her child, said, "My mother is sick. I came here to go to Habiganj, but I have been waiting since morning without finding any vehicle. Even rental cars are asking for unreasonably high fares."
Similar scenes were observed in other parts of the city, including Humayun Rashid Square, where many were seen waiting on the roadside.
Matiur Rahman, an elderly man waiting to travel to Sherpur, said, "I've been waiting for nearly three hours. A few vehicles come by, but other workers are not allowing people to board."
Although some auto-rickshaws, rickshaws, and microbuses were still operating, there were reports that transport workers were obstructing these vehicles as well.
Maulana Lokman Ahmad, president of the Sylhet District Road Transport Owners Association and a Jamaat leader, had earlier rejected the strike and announced that buses would operate as usual.
However, no buses were seen on the road until early afternoon, and his supporters were also absent. In contrast, protesting workers remained stationed at various intersections throughout the city.
Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad said steps had been taken to resolve the matter.
"Due to the transport workers' strike, people are suffering. A meeting has been scheduled today under the initiative of the divisional commissioner to address the issue," he said.
Ali Akbar Rajan, joint general secretary of the Sylhet District Road Transport Bus-Minibus, Coach-Microbus Workers Union, said, "We have heard that a meeting may take place involving political leaders and the divisional commissioner. If it is arranged, we will attend. If our demands are met, we will suspend the programme."
The six-point charter of demands includes:
- Cancellation of the government's gazette notification under Section 36 of the Road Transport Act 2018, which sets the economic lifespan of buses and minibuses at 20 years, trucks, pickups, and covered vans at 25 years, and CNG-run vehicles and Ema, Lagunas at 15 years.
- Withdrawal of the suspension order on leasing all stone quarries in Sylhet and reopening of sand quarries using traditional methods.
- Cancellation of contractor authorisation to issue fitness certificates for all vehicles by BRTA and withdrawal of increased taxes on public and goods transport.
- Resumption of electricity connections to crusher mills in Sylhet, return of electricity meters, compensation for damaged mills, and reimbursement for seized sand and stones.
- Immediate withdrawal of the Sylhet deputy commissioner for allegedly acting against the interests of transport owners, workers, traders, and the public.
- An end to the harassment of drivers of all goods vehicles, including those carrying sand and stones.
Earlier, since 5 July, Sylhet transport workers had been observing a strike on goods transport, led by the Sylhet District Goods Transport Owners-Workers Unity Council.
That strike focused on five demands, including halting the destruction of crusher machines, stopping the seizure of trucks transporting stones, and ending harassment of drivers and BRTA office workers.
The outcome of today's scheduled meeting is expected to determine whether the workers' strike resumes.
