After seven hours of strike, transport workers in Sylhet have announced the suspension of their indefinite work stoppage following an assurance of dialogue on Tuesday.
The announcement was made at 1pm on Tuesday by Moynul Haque, president of the Sylhet District Road Transport Bus-Minibus, Coach-Microbus Workers’ Union.
Earlier in the day, the strike began at 6am, with workers demanding the removal of the Sylhet deputy commissioner, the reopening of all stone quarries and an end to harassment of transport workers.
Moynul Haque said that the decision to suspend the strike was based on recommendations from the central Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association, the Bangladesh Road Transport Federation, local political figures and the administration.
A meeting with the divisional commissioner has been scheduled for 3pm.
“In consideration of examinees and international travellers, we have decided to suspend the strike,” he said.
He added: "We will inform you of the outcome after the meeting takes place.”
Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South), Md Shahriar Alam, noted that HSC examinations are ongoing and as Sylhet is a major tourist destination, many visitors have been stranded.
“We requested the transport workers to withdraw their strike and they have complied,” he added.
