State run-Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) workers are continuing their strike for the second day, demanding outstanding wages of nine months.
More than a hundred drivers have taken position in BRTC Joarshahara bus depot, in Dhaka's Khilkhet area, halting bus service on Wednesday (Jan 9).
According to the drivers, they have not been paid since March of 2018. The drivers and workers had had previously staged demonstrations after which the authorities asked for time to pay-off the dues.
However, the authorities failed to make good on their word, they said.
“Even though we for the same organization, the managers and top officials’ salaries are not due,” said Shamim Howlader, a driver participating in the protest.
He alleged that if they complain about wages, they are transferred elsewhere and that they are deprived of their subsidies as well.
Meanwhile, the top BTRC officials have gone to the depot to negotiate with the workers and calm the situation.
On the other hand, police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have taken position in front of the depot to bring everything under control.