Bangladesh: Unionized bus drivers and owners continue staging indefinite work stoppage in Habiganj District, Sylhet Division, as of Nov. 22 /update 1

Event

Members of the Habiganj Bus Owners and Workers Union continue to stage an indefinite work stoppage in Habiganj District, Sylhet Division, as of Nov. 22. The purpose of the action is to demand that authorities permit them to use the Salamatpur bus terminal. Activists launched the strike Nov. 18; the beginning of the labor action roughly coincided with a Nov. 19 Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rally in Sylhet.

Reports indicate that the labor action is impacting the district's bus services with Dhaka and all nine routes that run within the district, including services connecting the town of Habiganj with Aushkandi, Bahubal, Chunarughat, Madhabpur, Moulvibazar, Nabiganj, and Sreemangal. Alternative means of transport are likely to face increased crowding and demand for the duration of the strike. Organizers may end the strike with little notice.

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

Context

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