Train operations across Bangladesh have come to a standstill as railway running staff began a strike at midnight on Tuesday.
The Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers' Association is observing the strike due to unresolved complexities regarding pension and gratuity benefits, which they demand should include the running allowance along with their basic salary.
Passengers are facing severe disruptions, with many stranded at railway stations across the country, including the capital’s Kamalapur Railway Station.
Md Mojibur Rahman, general secretary of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers' Association and chief coordinator of the Running Staff Unity Council, said: “We, the running staff, have been on strike since midnight. As a result, train services across the country have been suspended. Our strike will continue until our demands are met.”
As per regulations, a running staff member is entitled to 12 hours of rest upon returning to their headquarters or 8 hours if stationed outside.
If required to work during rest hours for the benefit of railway operations, additional compensation known as mileage benefits is provided. However, due to objections from the Ministry of Finance, the running staff has reportedly been deprived of this benefit, which is one of the key points of contention.
Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the station master of Kamalapur Railway Station, told UNB that all trains scheduled to depart until 12am on Monday eventually left their origin station, despite delays.
However, trains scheduled to depart after midnight did not operate due to the work stoppage. The last scheduled train on Tuesday departed from Kamalapur Station at 1am.
Passengers with tickets for the cancelled trains, both online and offline, are being refunded.