Resumption of long-route transport demanded

Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association and Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation have demanded the introduction of long-distance transport in compliance with the health rules.

The organizations made the demand at a joint press conference at the National Press Club on in the city on Saturday.

At the same time, the organizations also announced a nationwide sit-in on the day of Eid if the demand is not met.

President of Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation Shahjahan Khan read out a written statement at the press conference.

He said the government has decided to operate public transport within the metropolis and districts by keeping the lockdown relaxed from May 6. But it has kept long-distance public transport closed, causing dissatisfaction among the owners and workers.

“People are traveling in buses, mini-buses and CNG-run auto-rickshaws, which is likely to increase the infection of virus further. Therefore, long-distance mass and goods transportation should be introduced in compliance with the hygiene rules,” he said.

In response to a question from reporters, Shahjahan Khan said, “Lockdown-related experts do not understand the sentiment of the field-level; they do not understand the sentiment of the workers. That's why people are crowding on the ferry and the workers are starving for food.”

"We are experts on workers, the government should take our advice," he said.