Bangladesh: Transport strike withdrawn after fare hike

The nationwide strike of public transport buses in Bangladesh was called off late on Sunday after the government agreed to raise the fare of diesel-operated buses and minivans by approximately 27 percent. However there would be no increase in the fare charged by the CNG-operated buses and minivans and other public transport. The fare for water transport services have also been raised across the country by approximately 35 percent. The launch owners had suspended their services from Saturday demanding a hike in fares. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) reached an agreement with launch owners on Sunday after which the strike by the waterways transport owners was called off.

The agreement was reached between the Bangladesh Road Transport  Owners Association and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) after a long meeting. The agreement was reached between the Bangladesh Road Transport  Owners Association and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) after a long meeting  Meanwhile, the truckers union announced that they will continue their strike demanding withdrawal of the enhanced diesel prices as well as reduction in increased toll at Jamuna and Muktarpur bridges.The Bangladesh Road Transport  Owners Association had launched a nationwide strike from Friday morning seeking revision of fares after the government raised the diesel prices by Taka 15 per liter on Wednesday. The strike had seriously affected the public life and movement of goods in most of the country for three days.