Transport workers are continuing indefinite strike for the third day, demanding amendments to the Road Transport Act-2018, causing passengers across Bangladesh to suffer.
Bus services in several routes remained halted while a strike called by Bangladesh Truck-Covered-van Goods Transport Owner-Worker Unity Council went into effect on Wednesday (Nov 20).
The citizens of Dhaka were seen paying double the amount of fare for rickshaws due to the lack of transport.
Bangla Tribune’s Khulna correspondent reports that no bus left Khulna on Wednesday and passengers had to resort to battery-operated three-wheelers to travel.
Md Imran, one of the suffering passengers said that he is having to pay Tk 200 for a battery-operated three-wheeler to go to Gopalganj due to the transport crisis.
Bus driver Moniruzzaman said that the drivers are against bringing the vehicles back on road as its them who have to suffer the backlash of fines and punishments.
The scenario was similar at Kurigram, Jhenaidaha, Chuadanga Narayanganj and Chattogram.
Kurigram district Motor Owners Association General Secretary Md Lutfor Rahman Bakshi said that while he found the strike logical, not announcing it beforehand was not.
In Jhenaidaha, bus services remained suspended in the local routes but from Wednesday it has been halted in the longer routes as well.

Bangla Tribune’s Narayanganj Correspondent reports that transport workers blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway on Wednesday. They reportedly blocked vehicles on the roads and attacked the drivers.
Truck and Covered-van Owners Association President Monir Ahmed said that the truck workers have called for the strike pressing a nine-point demand and refuse to resume work unless those are met.

In Madaripur, bus services remained suspended in the district town’s two bus stands. Commuters had to resort to battery-run three wheelers and other alternatives to reach their destinations. However, the long distance passengers suffered the most.

In Meherpur, no trucks left from since Wednesday morning. Besides, local and long-route bus services have been halted since Monday (Nov 18).

As the district is based on agriculture, farmers and agriculture related traders fear heavy losses.

The Bhomra Landport in Satkhira has also been affected by the strike. The traders have been paying double to transport their goods. However, the customs officials said that export-import remains unaffected.