Trains Back On Track In Bangladesh As Rail Union Calls Off Strike In Big Relief For Yunus Govt

Last Updated:January 30, 2025, 10:32 IST

Railway services had come to a standstill in Bangladesh as train drivers and railway employees began an indefinite strike on Tuesday, January 28

A controversial decision by the then Sheikh Hasina government in November 2021 removed pension benefits for railway workers, leading to growing concerns about their financial security after retirement. (News18 Hindi)

Train services in Bangladesh resumed on Wednesday after railway workers ended their indefinite strike, which had brought the country’s rail network to a halt. The strike, which began on Tuesday, caused significant disruptions for commuters and businesses.

“Train services across the country have returned to normal as Bangladesh Railway running staff have withdrawn their strike," a Railway Ministry spokesman said.

Railway services had come to a standstill in Bangladesh as train drivers and railway employees began an indefinite strike on Tuesday, January 28. According to a report by Bangladesh’s The Daily Star, railway employees have been demanding special allowances and other post-retirement benefits.

A meeting between railway officials and driver union leaders was held on Monday, January 27, but no resolution was found. Following the meeting, Bangladesh Railway representative Additional Director General Ahmed Mahbub Chowdhury told The Daily Star that union leaders were “adamant" about their demands and left the meeting midway.

Saidur Rahman, acting president of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Labour Employees Union, said the nationwide strike was launched as there was “no meaningful dialogue" with the authorities. “Our nationwide indefinite strike has begun because there was no meaningful dialogue with the authorities. All types of trains, including freight trains and oil tankers, will be affected by the strike," he had said.

Bangladesh’s Rail Network

Rahman added that no train would depart after midnight, though those already en route would not be affected. Bangladesh Railway operates more than 350 passenger trains daily, including over 100 intercity trains and more than 30 freight trains.

Due to staff shortage, train drivers and their assistants (loco-masters and assistant loco-masters), along with guards and travel ticket checkers, often work beyond their designated shifts. Although they receive payment for the additional hours, they previously also received pension benefits for overtime work until 2021.

Pension Benefits Revoked Under Sheikh Hasina’s Government

However, in November 2021, the Awami League government discontinued pension benefits for extra work. After a strike in April 2022, the Railway Ministry intervened and decided to reinstate the benefits. Despite this, employees continue to demand the complete revocation of the November 2021 order. Furthermore, assistant loco-masters appointed in 2022 have not received these benefits, as their appointment letters specify that they will not be entitled to extra pay during service or after retirement.

In December last year, newly recruited loco-masters staged a strike, demanding the same benefits as their predecessors. They also refused to take on extra duties for several days and called for the 2021 order to be scrapped. Their protest ended after railway officials provided assurances, though the issue remains unresolved.

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