DHAKA: Water transport workers enforced indefinite countrywide strike on early Saturday to press home their 11-point demand, including implementation of wage scale 2016, issuance of identity cards, service books, and appointment letters.

Bangladesh Water Transport Workers’ Federation called the strike on Friday.

The workers’ other demands include providing risk allowance, stopping extortion, and ensuring clean water and food.

Movement of all types of vessels remained halted on different routes including Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Vandira and Jhalakati.

According to Bangladesh Water Transport Workers’ Federation, this is the third time they are going on strike to realise their demands.

People were seen waiting at the terminals for vessels to reach their respective destinations.

Loading and unloading of goods at two seaports and major river ports were severely disrupted.

In Chattogram, loading and unloading of imported goods to and from lighter vessels at 16 private jetties in the city's Sadarghat and Majhirghat area remained suspended due to the work abstention of water transport workers.

Movement of all water transports were halted to the strike, resulting in suspension of cargo handling at Mongla Seaport in Khulna.

BDST: 1321 HRS, NOV 30, 2019
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