The nationwide 72-hour transport strike scheduled to begin on Aug 12 has been unanimously withdrawn after successful talks led by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.
The decision was taken at a meeting held today at the Victory Hall of the Electricity Building on Abdul Ghani Road in Dhaka, organized by the Road Transport and Highways Division in coordination with the Road Transport Owners’ Associations.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, advisor to the ministry, said a draft amendment to the Road Transport Act, 2018 will be prepared within 60 days following consultations with various stakeholders at an inter-ministerial meeting.
He added that the government is committed to protecting the interests of owners and workers during the withdrawal of economically outdated motor vehicles. To facilitate the purchase of new vehicles, arrangements will be made to provide loans on easy terms and low interest rates through coordination with the finance advisor and the governor of Bangladesh Bank.
On reducing costs related to the import of Japanese and European reconditioned commercial vehicles, Khan said discussions will be held with the commerce advisor and the National Board of Revenue to take necessary decisions.
Bus strike on Sylhet-Sunamganj route withdrawn
A committee including representatives from the Public Safety Department, BRTA, police, and owners-workers associations will be formed to address issues faced by owners and drivers involved in road accidents.
Khan also emphasized that e-licenses issued by BRTA will remain valid in all cases and efforts are ongoing for the quick issuance of smart driving licenses. The National Board of Revenue will take urgent steps to implement presumptive tax on commercial vehicles by amending advance income tax provisions.
Additionally, the advisor urged the Health Secretary to establish specialized hospitals for transport workers injured in accidents and announced plans to activate the Road Transport Workers’ Welfare Fund Act, 2005.
Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Chief Coordinator of the Nationalist Workers’ Party, expressed commitment to support lawful government decisions and confirmed the strike withdrawal by consensus.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and attended by senior government officials, transport representatives, and media personnel.