Waterway transport workers across Bangladesh called off their strike on Saturday (28 December) night following assurances from government officials to investigate the killing of seven crew members aboard a ship in the Meghna River, provide compensation to their families, and enhance worker safety.
The strike, which began on Thursday (27 December), saw thousands of workers halting operations, demanding justice and improved safety measures.
After negotiations between the Ministry of Shipping Secretary Mohammad Yusuf and leaders of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Workers’ Federation, the workers decided to suspend their action at around 9:30pm on Saturday.
Joint Director of the Chandpur Naval Conservation and Operations Division, Sh A Mahfuz-ul-Alam Molla, said, "The transport workers have suspended their strike after assurances from the Ministry."
The ministry has pledged to investigate the murders thoroughly, ensure the safety of river transport workers, and provide a compensation of Tk20 lakh to the families of each victim.
Injured worker Jewel is also set to receive advanced medical treatment as part of the assurances.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Workers’ Federation President Shah Alam echoed this sentiment.
"We have suspended our strike and received some assurances," he stated. "We will monitor how effectively these promises are implemented. From now on, shipping operations, including loading and unloading, will resume."
On Friday, the second day of the strike, hundreds of federation leaders and workers held rallies, processions, and human chains in Chandpur to demand justice.
Their demands included a thorough investigation, the arrest of other suspects, compensation of Tk20 lakh per family, an end to extortion, and enhanced safety measures for river transport workers.
The tragic killings aboard the ship in the Meghna River have drawn national attention, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by river transport workers and underscoring the urgent need for reform in the sector.
