Transport Leaders Threaten 72-Hour Strike from 12 August

Photo: Collected

Transport owners and workers have announced plans to enforce a 72-hour nationwide strike starting from 12 August if their eight-point demand is not addressed by 11 August.

The announcement came during a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club, jointly organised by the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association, the Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners’ Association, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers’ Federation.

According to a written statement by Saiful Alam, General Secretary of the Road Transport Owners’ Association, all types of commercial vehicles—including buses, trucks, covered vans, and prime movers—will remain off the roads from 6:00 am on 12 August to 6:00 am on 15 August if the demands remain unmet.

He highlighted the critical role of road transport in the national economy and stressed the need for a disciplined, accident-free, and passenger-friendly transport system.

One major concern is the government directive for the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to remove buses and trucks over 20 and 25 years old from operation. This has triggered protests and regional strikes in several districts.

Transport leaders warned of a nationwide crisis if the issues are not resolved. A joint meeting was held on 20 July to submit a written appeal to the government, requesting a solution within 15 working days.

The eight-point demand includes:

Amend sections 98 and 105 of the Road Transport Act, 2018.

Extend the economic lifespan of commercial vehicles to 30 years.

Declare vehicles unfit based on fitness tests, not age.

Allow older vehicles to run outside cities if fit.

Suspend BRTA's current drive against older vehicles.

Reduce the doubled presumptive income tax on commercial vehicles.

Extend import age limit for reconditioned vehicles from 5 to 12 years.

Ensure accident-damaged vehicles are returned from police custody within 72 hours.

They also called for a vehicle scrapping policy, dedicated lanes for three-wheelers and light vehicles, quicker licence issuance and renewal, and implementation of the workers' federation’s 12-point charter.

Prominent leaders from all three transport bodies were present at the press conference, reinforcing the unity of owners and workers behind the demands.