Railway temporary workers call off work abstention

Bangladesh Railway's temporary workers (TLR) called off their work stoppage today after receiving assurance that their outstanding arrears will be paid by next Sunday (23 March).

The representatives of the agitating railway's temporary workers made the announcement at Rail Bhaban today (17 March), according to a press release issued this afternoon.

The TLR (Temporary Labor Recruitment) system is used by Bangladesh Railway to fill vacant posts.

Earlier, Railways Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam assured the agitating TLR workers that all their arrears would be paid by next Sunday (23 March).

In a briefing to the press, he explained, "There was an issue with paying the salaries and allowances of the railway's TLR workers due to complications related to the Integrated Budget and Accounting System (IBAS). Internal activities are underway at the finance department and ministry level to resolve the problem."

He added, "The arrears of TLR workers will be transferred to their respective bank accounts by next Sunday," and further stated that from April onwards, their salaries would be paid by the 10th of each month.

Following the secretary's assurance, the TLR workers announced the end of their strike.

Bangladesh Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Railways and representatives of the TLR workers, were present during the briefing.