Train services to halt after midnight as running staffers hold firm on demands

Train services across Bangladesh are at risk of being disrupted after midnight on Monday as railway running staffers remain steadfast in their decision to abstain from duty until their demands are met.

The Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Labour Employees Association has been pressing for a pension equal to their running allowance plus basic salary, along with gratuity benefits. 

Despite a meeting between railway officials and protesting staff at Dhaka’s Kamalapur station on Monday, no resolution was reached.

Md Saidur Rahman, Working President of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Labour Employees Union, announced that the strike would continue. 

“We have made it clear that we must receive demand approval papers before 12 midnight tonight. Our allowance must be reinstated as it was before.

"We have been protesting for our demands for four years. However, they have repeatedly asked for more time to meet our demands.

“Whenever we issue ultimatums, they hold meetings with us, but no demands are ever met. Therefore, we are not withdrawing our programme this time,” Rahman stated. 

He added that while trains already in motion before midnight would reach their destinations, no new services would operate after the deadline. 

Railway Ministry Secretary Md Fahimul Islam expressed hope for a resolution despite the breakdown in talks.

“We have been continuing discussions on their issue. We are trying to address the matter from different perspectives. We hope the issue will be resolved,” he said. 

In a statement, Bangladesh Railway urged the staff to push for their demands through dialogue, emphasising the importance of avoiding disruptions to public services.