Bus owners and workers’ associations have announced a transport strike in five districts of the Khulna and Barishal divisions, citing demands to remove illegal three-wheelers from highways and enforce transport regulations.
The strike will be enforced from Sunday in Bagerhat, Khulna, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi and Barishal districts, said Shahidul Islam, general secretary of the Bagerhat Inter-District Bus, Minibus, Coach and Microbus Owners Association, on Friday night.
Transport leaders said the decision was taken after multiple rounds of discussions with local authorities failed to resolve their three-point demand.
The demands include removal of illegal three-wheelers such as easy bikes, Mahendra, Nosimon and Karimon vehicles from highways, restriction of unauthorised BRTC and leased vehicles beyond approved limits, and closure of illegal roadside ticket counters except a single authorised counter at bus terminals.
They also demanded a ban on carrying local passengers on long-route buses midway.
Shahidul Islam alleged that although 18 government-owned BRTC buses are officially allocated for the region, more vehicles are operating in violation of rules, while illegal three-wheelers continue to run freely on highways.
Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten said the administration is aware of the demands and discussions are ongoing to prevent the strike.
Authorities are continuing efforts to resolve the issue and avoid disruption to public transport services in the affected districts.
