Bangladesh Railways Paralyzed as Nationwide Strike Strands Lakhs of Passengers.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Rail services across Bangladesh came to a grinding halt on Tuesday as railway employees launched an indefinite nationwide strike, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded. The strike, which stems from long-standing disputes over overtime pay and pension benefits, has severely disrupted the country’s transportation network.
400 Trains Halted, Lakhs Affected
The strike has resulted in the suspension of approximately 400 passenger and freight trains, including over 100 inter-city services and more than three dozen cargo trains. Bangladesh Railways, which accommodates around 250,000 daily passengers, has been unable to operate due to the widespread worker protest.
In response, the Bangladesh Railway Ministry announced that passengers with pre-booked tickets would be allowed to travel on select bus services operating on key train routes. However, the alternative arrangements have done little to ease the chaos caused by the rail shutdown.
Workers Demand Overtime Pay and Pension Benefits
The striking employees, including train drivers, assistant drivers, guards, and ticket checkers, have long been demanding compensation for working beyond their scheduled hours due to chronic manpower shortages. Traditionally, railway workers received additional pay and pension benefits for extra work, but a controversial government decision in November 2021 revoked these benefits, triggering widespread discontent.
Despite an intervention by the Railway Ministry in April 2022 to reinstate pension benefits, employees fear that the policy could be reversed under the current interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Adding to their grievances, newly recruited employees have reportedly been excluded from both additional pay and pension benefits, as their appointment letters explicitly state they are ineligible for such allowances.
Government Response and Uncertain Future
The Railway Ministry has acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “Bangladesh Railways and the ministry are fully committed to addressing the concerns of the employees. We are in regular discussions with the Ministry of Finance to find a resolution.” Officials have urged workers to call off the strike, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Meanwhile, the strike has triggered public outrage as thousands of commuters remain stranded at railway stations, with many struggling to find alternative transportation. Business operations, supply chains, and daily life have been significantly affected, raising concerns over prolonged disruptions if the standoff continues.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the strike threatens to deepen Bangladesh’s transport crisis, further straining an already burdened infrastructure. As negotiations continue, the fate of the country’s rail services remains uncertain.
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