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Published : 27 Jan 2025, 10:18 PM
Railway running staff across Bangladesh are set to begin a work stoppage as per their earlier announcement, following the failure to meet their demands.
This raises the risk of nationwide train service suspension after midnight on Monday.
The Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers Employees Union had earlier declared the suspension, citing unmet demands for including running allowances in their basic pay for pension calculations and gratuity benefits.
A meeting held at Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station on Monday between protesting staff and railway officials ended without resolution.
After the meeting, the union’s Executive President Md Saidur Rahman declared that they would continue their programme.
“Railway officials asked for more time, but we are not willing to grant it anymore,” he told bdnews24.com
"We have demanded that the ministry provide us with approval documents before midnight. Our allowances must be reinstated as they were.”
He continued, “We have been protesting for four years over this matter, but despite repeated assurances, our demands have not been met. This time, we will not withdraw our programme.”
“After midnight, no trains will operate, but those departing before midnight will reach their destinations on time.”
A railway official said the protesting staff had been invited to a meeting at Rail Bhaban, which they declined to attend.
Later, a discussion with senior officials was held at Kamalapur Railway Station.
Although the meeting failed to resolve the matter, Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam expressed optimism about finding a solution.
“We are continuing discussions, exploring different approaches. We hope the issue will be resolved," he told bdnews24.com at 7:15pm.
