Metro rail staff threaten strike from Friday over job policy delay
They also said that if Dhaka residents are deprived of metro rail services, the DMTCL authorities will be held fully responsible
Permanent officers and employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) have threatened strike, demanding formation of a comprehensive employment policy within the next three working days.
In a press release issued on Monday, they warned that if their demand is not met by 20 February, they will refrain from operating the Dhaka Metro Rail from next Friday.
They also said that if Dhaka residents are deprived of metro rail services, the DMTCL authorities will be held fully responsible.
According to the press release, the employees made a strong demand for the formulation of a job regulation for DMTCL's permanent officers and employees, who were recruited through direct open recruitment.
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In response to these demands, senior DMTCL officials held an in-depth discussion on Monday regarding the draft employment policy. They assured employees that the final version of the policy would be finalized promptly through a board meeting, with necessary revisions being considered.
The demand for an employment policy is not new. On 12 September 2024, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, had directed the formulation of a comprehensive policy.
However, despite five months passing, the policy has yet to be implemented, leaving employees frustrated and uncertain about their job security.
As tensions rise, the looming strike could significantly impact daily commuters in Dhaka, making it imperative for DMTCL authorities to address the employees' concerns before the deadline.
