The strike, called by water transport workers in protest of the killing of seven individuals aboard a ship on the Meghna River in Chandpur, has been suspended on Saturday night.
The decision came after a meeting with the officials from Ministry of Shipping where government assurances to meet their demands.
Bangladesh Water Transport Workers' Federation President Shah Alam Bhuiyan confirmed the development around 9.30 PM on Saturday. He stated, "The strike, which lasted approximately 45 hours, had been called off. River transport operations have resumed."
Earlier in the evening, a meeting between leaders of the workers' federation and officials from the Ministry of Shipping, led by Secretary Mohammad Yusuf, resulted in assurances regarding compensation for the victims' families, a thorough investigation into the incident, and improved safety measures for water transport workers. These assurances prompted the suspension of the strike, according to Shah Alam.
The federation president emphasized that they would closely monitor the fulfillment of these promises, stating, "We have received some assurances, and we will observe how effectively they are implemented. From now on, shipping operations, including loading and unloading, will proceed as usual."
The strike, which began at midnight on Friday, had entered its second day when hundreds of federation members held rallies, marches, and human chains in Chandpur, demanding justice for the seven murdered workers. Their demands included the arrest of all suspects involved, compensation of Tk 20 lakh for each victim's family, advanced medical treatment for an injured worker named Jewel, the elimination of extortion and improved safety measures for laborers on waterways.
