Train services across Bangladesh have come to a grinding halt as the running staff of Bangladesh Railway commenced a work stoppage, protesting against unresolved complexities regarding the inclusion of running allowance in their basic pay for pension and gratuity calculations.
Faced with mounting pressure from the strike, Railways Ministry Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan engaged with passengers ten hours after train operations were suspended.
Addressing the protest, he urged railway staff to withdraw their strike, stating that discussions with the Finance Division were underway to address their demands.
On Tuesday (28 January) at 10am, the adviser visited Kamalapur Railway Station, accompanied by Rail Secretary Fahimul Islam, Dhaka Divisional Railway Manager Mohiuddin Arif, and BRTC Chairman Tajul Islam, among other officials.
Expressing his disappointment over the disruption, Faozul Kabir Khan remarked, “Demands may exist, but it is unfortunate to hold passengers hostage by halting train services.”
He further clarified that the resolution of the issue lies with the Finance Ministry, not the Railways Ministry, and assured that discussions were in progress to reach a solution.
During a visit to Dhaka Railway Station, the platforms were found deserted, with all stationed trains having their doors shut.
Meanwhile, frustrated passengers gathered outside the VIP waiting room, voicing their grievances over the disruption to the government adviser.
