Patuakhali water transport workers demand quick resumption of services

Water transport workers in Patuakhali today demonstrated demanding immediate resumption of launch services on domestic routes as well as all other routes across the country.

Water transport services are now suspended across the country due to Covid-19 restrictions.

As part of their demonstration, a protest procession was brought out by Patuakhali region of Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation, a body of river transport workers, from Patuakhali launch ghat around 10:30am today, reports our local correspondent.

After marching through the main road in the district, the procession ended up on the premises of the deputy commissioner (DC)'s office, where the workers held a rally.

The speakers demanded quick resumption of launch services or else they would announce tougher movement.

Speaking at the rally, Kabir Kamal Mollah, master of Prince Kamal-1 launch, said he did not get Eid bonus and salary as launch services were halted.

"If we call the owners, they do not receive the call. Our family members been suffering from food crisis. We urge the government to resume the launch," said Kabir.

Md Mohsin, driver of the launch MV Asa-Jawya, said the launch owners paid only Tk 1,000 to the workers on the occasion of Eid. Their salary, allowance and attendance remain halted for five months.

"We have been forced to take to the streets today. If launch serviced do not start, the workers will have to die without eating," he said.