Indefinite Strike Grounds Bangladesh Rail Services Amid Staff Demands

Train services across Bangladesh have come to a complete halt as railway workers initiated an indefinite strike, citing demands for improved pensions and other benefits. This labor action has left thousands of travelers stranded at various stations across the country.

The strike, which began on January 28, 2025, has disrupted the operations of approximately 400 passenger trains, including more than 100 inter-city services, as well as numerous freight trains operated by the state railway. The railway system typically serves about 250,000 passengers daily and employs around 25,000 staff members.

At Kamlapur Railway Station in Dhaka, the situation grew chaotic as numerous passengers arrived unaware of the strike. Many expressed frustration at being left without clear alternatives. One traveler recounted arriving early in the morning only to learn hours later that his train had been canceled, leaving him stranded with no immediate options.

Reports from Rajshahi, located in the northwestern region of the country, indicated that some passengers reacted violently to the disruptions, causing damage to station property and confronting railway staff.

The strike stems from ongoing grievances among railway employees related to working conditions and compensation. Previously, railway staff were known to work overtime to address staffing shortages. However, in November 2021, the government revoked additional pay and benefits that had been traditionally granted for extra work hours, leading to growing dissatisfaction among workers.

While the Railways Ministry reinstated some of these benefits in 2022, newly hired employees have not been afforded the same privileges, as their contracts explicitly deny them such benefits. This ongoing disparity has fueled the current strike, which follows a failed negotiation meeting between union representatives and Bangladesh's interim government.

Saidur Rahman, the acting president of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers Union, stated that the strike would persist indefinitely unless the government accedes to their demands. Protests from railway workers have also been reported in Chattogram, the country's second-largest city, which is crucial for the nation's economy as it houses the largest seaport where garment exports are processed. The railway network plays a vital role in transporting goods from various regions to this key export hub.