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Train movement between capital Dhaka and the rest parts of the country remained suspended for nearly five hours on Sunday due to a blockade staged by a section of the Bangladesh Railway's casual workers.
The BR which had around 7,000 temporary labourers including gatemen, way men and drivers working for years on daily and monthly basis planed to outsource the recruitment in line with a recent cabinet decision.
A group of protesters laid down on the railway track near FDC gate demanding withdrawal of the decision and pressing for their permanent appointment suspending train movement from at 10 am.
BR additional director general Sardar Shahadat Ali rushed to the spot along with other senior officials and train movement finally resumed around 2:55 pm.
However, the aggrieved TLRs later demonstrated at Rail Bhabhan to press for their demands.
Some TLRs told the FE that the BR had assured them of appointing them permanently but continued to make them work without giving their dues.
Sharif who works as a gateman said they have not got any money since June though duties were given to them.
Another gateman Ikhlasuddin also alleged that regular arrears were also not cleared by the BR since they were recruited on temporary basis. Divisional Railway Manager Shafiqul, however, said under the new law, there is no scope of appointing the TLRs as permanent staff of the BR.
He said after the cabinet's decision on outsourcing the recruitment of which process has already started, TLRs have scope to get the work because of long experiences.
Following the strike, five intercity trains were halted at the Kamlapur Railwa Station. But Station Master Anwar Hossain said train schedule became normal within a few hours after the service resumed at 2:50 pm