The government has deployed BRTC buses on major routes for train passengers in a bid to maintain essential transport links amid an indefinite strike by railway running staff. 

According to a railway ministry notification issued on Tuesday, passengers can board BRTC buses from Kamalapur Railway Station and Dhaka International Airport Railway Station to travel to destinations including Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Cumilla, Bogura, and Mymensingh.

Passengers with pre-purchased train tickets can also use the bus service for return trips to Dhaka. The service will continue until further notice, the ministry stated.

The strike, which began at midnight on Tuesday, involves train drivers, guards, and ticket checkers demanding overtime pay benefits.

On Monday, the ministry called for a meeting with the protest leaders to discuss the issue, but the protesters rejected the call upon learning the government would seek more time to meet their demand. 

The protesters are adamant about securing overtime benefits immediately. 

The railway ministry later alleged officials had agreed to meet almost all the protesters' demands, but they demanded an unconditional pledge.

BDST: 1225 HRS, JAN 28, 2025
SMS