Train drivers of Bangladesh Railway halted at least ten passenger trains at various stations to protest the recruitment of drivers on a contractual basis instead of granting promotions.
The sudden demonstration left passengers stranded for hours at various stations across the country, causing significant distress.
According to railway officials, the Sirajganj Express was delayed for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes at Joydebpur, while the Chitra Express faced a combined delay of about 1.5 hours at Dhirashram and Tongi.
A local train was held at Kalukhali for nearly an hour, and both the Nakshikantha Commuter and Tungipara Express were delayed by 40 minutes at Poradaha station.
Besides, the Banglabandha Express was delayed for 1.5 hours at Rajshahi station while waiting to enter the washpit. The Banalata express and Dhalarchar Express were stationary for an hour at Sardah Road, and the Sagardari Express was held at Mobarakganj for an hour.
Farid Ahmed, general manager (west) of Bangladesh Railway, told TIMES of Bangladesh that the contractual recruitment was initiated to address a long-standing shortage of drivers. He explained that permanent drivers protested under the misconception that these contractual appointments would block their career promotions.
“They misunderstood the situation. However, the issue has now been resolved and the trains are running,” Ahmed said.
He added that while the transfer orders for two members of the running staff – issued during the movement – were withdrawn following discussions, the authorities intend to take action against those involved for the sudden disruption.
Railway sources indicated that the Western Zone has been struggling with a significant number of vacancies for locomaster and assistant locomaster positions for a long time. This shortage has created immense pressure on freight and passenger train operations, prompting the decision for contractual hires to maintain normal services.
However, the protest has prevented the railway from utilising these newly appointed contractual drivers.
According to Bangladesh Railway data, the Western Zone has 364 sanctioned positions for locomaster (LM), but only 172 are currently filled, leaving 192 posts vacant.
For senior locomaster (SLM), 118 are working against 136 sanctioned posts (18 vacant), and for assistant locomaster (ALM), there are 343 staff against 482 sanctioned posts (139 vacant).
