- Fire breaks out at jacket factory in Chattogram |
- Dhaka, Delhi agree to bring down border killings to zero |
- Natore’s Baraigram OC closed over negligence in bus robbery case |
- Imported fruit prices surge by up to Tk 100 per kg |
- 35% of air pollution in BD originates from external sources: Experts |
Nationwide Rail Strike Begins Over Retirement Benefits
Train drivers and support staff across Bangladesh began an indefinite nationwide work stoppage early today, demanding special retirement allowances and other benefits after unsuccessful negotiations with railway authorities.
The strike follows a failed meeting between railway officials and leaders of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Sramik Karmachari Union last night. Ahmed Mahbub Chowdhury, Additional Director General of Bangladesh Railway, said the association leaders were “adamant” about their demands and left the meeting midway.
Saidur Rahman, acting president of the union, announced at 12:02 am today that the strike had officially started, affecting all train services, including freight and oil tankers. "No trains will depart after midnight, but ongoing journeys will not be interrupted," he added.
Bangladesh Railway operates over 350 passenger trains daily, including more than 100 intercity services, along with dozens of freight trains. The strike is a response to unresolved issues, particularly related to pension benefits and working conditions. Train drivers and their assistants, including locomasters and assistant locomasters, have long worked beyond their regular hours, receiving extra pay and pension benefits based on these additional duties until 2021.
In November 2021, the government stopped granting pension benefits based on extra work, which sparked protests. Although the railways ministry agreed to continue pension benefits after a 2022 strike, workers remain concerned about the future of these benefits.
The newly appointed assistant locomasters, who were hired in 2022, have not received the same benefits as their predecessors, and their appointment letters explicitly stated they would not be eligible for extra pay. Following protests from both old and new staff, railway authorities promised to address these concerns.
On January 23, the finance ministry announced a 100% “running allowance” for newly-recruited locomasters, replacing the previous 75% rate, but it did not address the post-retirement benefits, leaving staff dissatisfied.
Despite efforts by railway officials to resolve the dispute, including a meeting yesterday evening, the association leaders insisted on written assurances and walked out when the issue of post-retirement benefits remained unresolved. A ministry circular issued late last night urged the staff to reconsider the strike, emphasizing ongoing dialogue and the impact on passengers.
As the strike continues, railway operations across the country are expected to be severely impacted, with both passenger and freight services halted.