Transport workers called off the ongoing strike in Rangamati and CNG-run autorickshaws started operating this morning (23 September).
Transport association leaders called for an indefinite strike on Saturday in three hill districts – Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban – resulting in no long-distance vehicles operating in the areas, disrupting communications.
CNG-run autorickshaws also did not operate in Rangamati following the burning of CNG run-autorickshaws amid communal violence.
Transport owner workers called off the strike yesterday (22 September) night after an emergency meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.
After that, CNG auto rickshaws, the only public transport in Rangamati city, started plying this morning.
General Secretary of Rangamati District CNG Autorickshaw Workers Union and Driver Welfare Association Md Mizanur Rahman Babu said, “After a meeting with the administration, we have withdrawn the blockade on Sunday night. The administration assured us of compensation.”
He said about 2,000 autorickshaws ply in Rangamati city. As the situation normalises, autorickshaw movement will also increase.
After a meeting with the transport workers on Sunday afternoon, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mosharraf Hossain Khan said, “CNG-bus-truck workers who were injured will be provided better treatment. And compensation will be sought from the ministry for all transports including bus-trucks that have been damaged. After being assured about compensation, the transport owner workers announced the withdrawal of the indefinite strike.”
