Shariatpur, June 23 (UNB)-Transport owners and workers of 21 southwestern districts called off their indefinite strike scheduled to begin from Thursday to press home their 16-point demand.

The strike was called off following a meeting between Communication Minister Syed Abul Hossain and leaders of Transport Owners-Workers Unity Council. Shipping Minister Shajahn Khan was present.

S.M. Shah Alam Mukul, Convener of the Unity Council said they withdrew the strike as they will have another meeting with the Minister on July 3 to settle their demands. “If the discussions fail to produce any positive results at the next meeting, we will announce our future course on that day,” he said.

The Communication Minister assured them that the authority will take actions against unlicensed human hauler like Nasimon, Kariman and Bhatbhati.

He sought cooperation from the transport owners in this respect. Besides, he said a policy will be adopted on plying of BRTC bus within one month.

State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian and BRTC chairman Major (retd) MM Iqbal were present among others.

The 16-point demands include banning various kinds of human hauler like Nasimon, Kariman and Bhatbhati, stopping BRTC bus service on Barisal-Keorakandi route, cancellation of the approval of Naria Bus Owners Association.


The demands also include ban toll collection without any permission of Roads and Highway Department and fixation of tax on vehicles according to their import costs.

BRTC chairman Iqbal said BRTC buses were plying on the road maintaining rules and regulations.