Bangladesh: Unionized transport drivers and owners to stage work stoppages in four districts of Sylhet Division Nov. 18-20

Event

Unionized drivers and owners affiliated with various organizations, including the Road Transport Owners' Association and the Sylhet Bus-Minibus Owners' Association, have planned several walkouts in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Sunamganj Nov. 18-20. Transport activists will also commence an indefinite strike in Habiganj beginning Nov. 18. The unions are demanding various concessions, including the government's enforcement of an existing ban on the use of illegal three-wheeled vehicles, including auto-rickshaws on highways.

Additional work stoppages are possible throughout Sylhet Division. Organizers may curtail or extend the duration of the strikes with little notice. The labor action will coincide with a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rally slated to take place in Sylhet on Nov. 19.

Unless averted, strike participants plan to suspend bus and other public transport services in the affected areas. Organizations representing opposing labor interests could also strike through Nov. 20, possibly impacting other means of transport, such as autorickshaw services. Alternative means of transport are likely to face increased crowding and demand.

Although labor leaders have announced no specific plans for such gatherings, strike-related demonstrations are possible, especially near transportation hubs, government buildings, and public squares, as well as along major thoroughfares. Strike participants may hold sit-ins and street marches or block main roads with vehicles. Authorities will likely monitor any gatherings and disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between activists and police, as well as counterdemonstrators, cannot be ruled out.

Context

Various transport strikes have coincided with recent BNP rallies, as the party launches a three-month political campaign to mobilize support and protest several issues, including rising fuel costs. Such walkouts occurred in Khulna on Oct. 22, Rangpur on Oct. 29, Barisal on Nov. 5, and Faridpur on Nov. 12.

Advice

Confirm bus and other transport schedules in advance. Avoid any demonstrations that materialize due to possible violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near any gatherings that occur.