Vessel workers call off strike

Water transport workers have withdrawn their indefinite strike across the country following a 'fruitful discussion' with the government.

Labour and Employement Ministry public relations officer (PRO) Md Aktarul Islam confirmed the matter.

A meeting among government , Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation (BWTWF) and representatives of vessel owners was held on Saturday night at the Department of Labour to discuss the indefinite strike. 

Labour Department director general AKM Mizanur Rahman presided over the meeting, and BWTWF president Shah Alam Bhuiyan, general secretary Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam, owners representative and other workers representatives were present at the meeting.  

Aktarul said, "In today's (Saturday) meeting the water transport workers' main demand was food allowance. Owners assured them of giving the allowance by March nexy year and workers agreed to withdraw strike.

"Decision about their other demands has been taken at Wednesday's meeting," the PRO added.    

Earlier, vessel workers went on an indefinite strike in the wee hours of Saturday to press home their 11-point demands, including giving appointment letter and food allowance.