Bus services of Dhaka with Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj remain suspended since Thursday night as owners halted operations, citing "financial losses" following the recent hike in workers' wages.
Today, passengers were seen waiting at terminals, facing immense suffering due to the suspension of bus services.
On September 7, bus drivers, helpers and supervisors went on a work abstention to press home their five-point demand, including a pay hike.
They continued their strike for two days and later called it off following assurances from the bus owners.
However, the workers against resumed their strike on September 22 as their demand was not met. The following day, services returned to normal, after both sides agreed on a salary increase during a meeting with the owners in Dhaka. But again, since 10:00pm Thursday (September 25), the owners themselves have suspended operations, citing "financial losses".
Saidur Rahman, manager of National Travels in Rajshahi, said a meeting had already been held with staff where the decision to increase their wages was made. "Even after that, they are now demanding various other benefits. Given these demands, it is clear that bus owners are incurring heavy losses. Running the transport business at a loss is not possible," he added.
Nazrul Islam, general secretary of the Northern Bus Owners' Association, said, "Drivers previously received Tk 1,250 per day, which have now been increased by Tk 500 to Tk 1,750. Similarly, salaries for all categories of workers have been raised by Tk 500, Tk 300, and Tk 200 respectively.
"All demands of the workers have been accepted. However, there is a slight disagreement regarding food allowances, which has triggered the fresh work stoppage," he added.
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