Bangladesh: Transport unions call off nationwide strike November 21 /update 1

Event

Unions representing truck and bus drivers have called off their transportation strike on Thursday, November 21, after getting assurance from the home ministry that their demands would be discussed. The strike, protesting the Road Transport Act (RTA), has been ongoing since Tuesday, November 19, in at least 20 districts across the country, causing significant transportation disruptions, notably in the districts of Jessore, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Magura, Narail, Jhenaidah, Meherpur, Kushtia, and Chuadanga.

Residual transportation disruptions are expected to continue in the coming hours, days.

Context

Transport owners and workers claim that the RTA, implemented since November 17, was drafted without consulting truck or bus drivers. The groups are calling for the government to amend the law and lower fines for route permits and taxes. Under the RTA, drivers can receive the death penalty if they are involved in a road accident that results in fatalities and face high fines if someone is injured. Drivers are arguing that they will be unable to pay the associated fines which are significantly higher than their annual salaries.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate significant transportation disruptions, plan alternative modes of transportation, and avoid all protests as a precaution.