Transport Workers Union went on an indefinite strike in Sylhet yesterday morning demanding an end to extortion and harassment by police.
The decision to enforce the strike came from a meeting organised by Sarak Paribahan Sramik Union, Truck O Covered Van Sramik Union and Tank-Lorry Sramik Union on Monday afternoon.
Abul Kaher Iju, president of Truck Owners’ Group said that they had joined programme.
Later, a discussion was held where Iju presided the function.
Wokers’ leader Selim Mahmud, Md Dilu Mia, Cherag Ali, Rakib Uddin, Ammer Ali,Abdus Salam and Tera Mian spoke among others.
As the local administration failed to bring an end to the crisis, the association called the strike, said Dilu Mia, president of the Truck O Covered Van Sramik Union, and Abdul Gafur, general secretary of the union, in a press release.
Sarak Paribahan Sramik Union President Selim Mahmud Falik: “The police harass the workers and collect toll illegally at many points of the town regularly.”
‘We protested the incident several times but there was no symptom of solution. So, we called the indefinite strike so that the government take steps in this regard,” he said.
“If the authorities do not take action immediately, we will go for a tougher movement,” he said.
The strike will continue until their demand is met, the release added.
Sabera Akter, additional deputy commissioner of Sylhet said the local administration has arranged a meeting to take effective steps to stop public sufferings.
Several sub-committees of the workers were formed to implement the programme.
The workers’ leaders also urged the committee members to help the general passengers.