Railway running staff call off strike

The Bangladesh Railway Running Staff Association has called off its strike over its demands regarding allowances and retirement benefits. Its members withdrew the strike at noon on Wednesday after Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan assured them of meeting their demands. Earlier in the day, after 3:20am, all trains had stopped operations, putting passengers across the country in a tough spot.

Sujan said the ministry stands behind the running staff, adding that he hopes all issues will be resolved before his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on April 18. He also urged the running staff not to get involved in any conspiracy against Bangladesh Railway. “Together we will take this rail [system] forward as a family. You should keep in mind that passengers should not be inconvenienced, especially before Eid.”

The minister also asked the offices concerned not to take any action against anyone over the strike. After the minister’s speech, Saidur Rahman, joint general secretary of the Railway Running Staff Association, announced to call off the strike, urging everyone to return to work.