An indefinite strike by railway employees in Bangladesh has brought train services to a standstill, leaving millions of passengers stranded. The workers are protesting for the reinstatement of overtime wages and pension benefits, which were withdrawn under a previous government policy. The strike has disrupted nearly 400 passenger trains and several freight services, causing widespread inconvenience.
Union Demands and Background
The railway union stated that they had given the government until Monday to meet their demands, but no resolution was reached. Bangladesh Railways, which serves approximately 2.5 lakh passengers daily, has been severely impacted by the strike.
The employees’ dissatisfaction stems from a 2021 decision to eliminate pension benefits based on overtime pay. Although the rail ministry intervened in 2022 to restore partial benefits, concerns remain about potential policy reversals under the interim government.
Additionally, new employees are entirely excluded from overtime and pension benefits, deepening discontent among the workforce.
Government Response and Measures
The Rail Ministry has appealed to workers to end the strike and has introduced alternative bus services on key routes to mitigate the disruption. The ministry assured the public that it is actively coordinating with the Finance Ministry to address employee grievances.
Impact and Challenges
The strike poses a significant challenge for the government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, as public confidence in the interim administration may erode if the issue persists. Freight services have also been disrupted, potentially affecting trade and supply chains across the country.
With the railways being a critical mode of transport for millions, the resolution of this strike is seen as a test of the government’s ability to balance economic policies with labor demands.
