Summary:
- Train services in Bangladesh resumed after a 26-hour suspension caused by a nationwide strike over pension and allowance demands.
- The strike was called off early Wednesday after union leaders received assurances from the Railways Ministry Adviser.
- The first train, Dhumketu Express, departed Kamalapur Station at 6:30 AM, but delays are expected as staff return to work.
- The strike disrupted travel for thousands of passengers and highlighted ongoing labor disputes within Bangladesh Railway.
Train services across Bangladesh resumed on Wednesday morning after a 26-hour suspension caused by a nationwide strike by railway staff. The strike, initiated early Tuesday, disrupted the operations of approximately 400 passenger and freight trains, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters stranded. The work stoppage was called off early Wednesday following a late-night meeting between union leaders and government representatives.
Bangladesh Railway Director General Afzal Hossain confirmed that train operations restarted in the morning, though delays are expected as workers gradually return to their posts. The Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express was the first train to depart from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Station at 6:30 AM, followed by nine other trains by 10:15 AM, according to Station Master Anwar Hossain. However, some services, including the Parabat Express, faced significant delays.
The strike was led by the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers Employees Union, which demanded the inclusion of running allowances in pension calculations and the removal of discriminatory conditions in employment contracts for newly hired staff. Union General Secretary Mojibur Rahman announced the withdrawal of the strike at 2:45 AM after receiving assurances from Railways Ministry Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan that their demands would be addressed.
The dispute stemmed from a controversial government decision in November 2021 that reduced pensions and gratuities tied to overtime work, a long-standing benefit for railway employees. Although the policy was partially reversed in April 2022, workers remained concerned about its reinstatement under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Newly hired staff were particularly affected, with their contracts explicitly excluding them from certain allowances and benefits.
The strike caused widespread disruption across Bangladesh’s rail network, which serves around 250,000 passengers daily. Many travelers were forced to seek alternative transportation at higher costs. In response, the Ministry of Railways allowed pre-purchased train tickets to be used on select bus routes during the strike.
The resolution of the strike has brought relief to commuters and cargo operators alike. However, railway officials warned that schedules might remain disrupted for some time as operations normalize. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within Bangladesh Railway over labor rights and compensation policies.
Source: The Daily Star
