A nationwide 72-hour transport strike set to begin on August 12 has been withdrawn after the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and transport owners reached a unanimous decision at a meeting in the capital on Sunday.
The discussion, held at the Bijoy Hall of Bidyut Bhaban, was chaired by Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Md Faozul Kabir Khan, with representatives from owners’ and workers’ bodies, senior ministry officials, and law enforcement agencies in attendance.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Faozul said a draft amendment to the Road Transport Act 2018 will be prepared within 60 days following consultations with all stakeholders through an inter-ministerial forum. He stressed that the government will ensure owners and workers are not financially disadvantaged when economic life-expired vehicles are removed from service, adding that steps will be taken to secure low-interest loans through discussions with the finance adviser and the Bangladesh Bank governor for purchasing new vehicles.
He also noted that the government will hold talks with the commerce adviser and the National Board of Revenue to explore ways to reduce import costs for reconditioned Japanese and European commercial vehicles. A committee will be formed with members from the Public Security Division, BRTA, police, and transport associations to address the needs of owners and drivers affected by accidents.
The adviser confirmed that BRTA-issued e-licences will remain valid in all cases and that the delivery of smart driving licences will be expedited. He added that the NBR will be asked to replace the current advance income tax on commercial vehicles with a presumptive tax system. The health secretary has been directed to initiate plans for a specialised hospital for injured transport workers, while the Road Transport Workers’ Welfare Fund Act 2005 will be fully activated.
Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal chief coordinator Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas said transport owners and workers have no intention of pressuring the government to meet their demands. He pledged full cooperation with lawful decisions, adding that the strike was withdrawn in the spirit of consensus reached under government initiative.
The meeting was attended by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Sheikh Moin Uddin, Road Division Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association Secretary General Saiful Alam, senior officials from public and private institutions, and representatives of transport owners’ and workers’ organisations.