Railway’s temporary workers call off strike

Temporary workers of Bangladesh Railway have called off their strike following an assurance that their outstanding salaries will be paid.

The government has assured them of payment of their arrears by next Sunday (March 23). 

The announcement was made by the Railway Temporary (TLR) employees in the capital's Rail Bhaban on Monday (March 17). 

Railway Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam assured the agitating TLR workers of payment of their arrears. 

At a briefing, Fahimul Islam said due to complications related to the Integrated Budget and Accounting System (IBAS), there was a problem in paying the salaries and allowances of the Railway TLR workers. 

Internal activities are underway at the Finance Division and the ministry to resolve it. It is expected that the arrears of the TLR workers will reach their bank accounts by next Sunday, he said.

The secretary said that from next April, it will be possible to pay their salaries by the 10th of every month. 

In view of this assurance, the TLR workers announced the withdrawal of the strike. However, if the outstanding salaries are not paid by Sunday, they have warned of going on strike again. 

Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain and senior officials of the Railway Ministry and Railways, along with TLR workers' representatives, were present at the briefing.