The government has decided to give a compensation of Tk 6.5 crore for the transport sector which was affected seriously due to nonstop blockade and frequent hartal enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader made the disclosure while talking to reporters after attending a meeting at the secretariat on Thursday.  

Vehicles and passenger buses were burnt and vandalised at different places after BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia announced nonstop blockade on January 5.

Encouraging the transport owners and workers to ply vehicles during blockade and hartal, the government made a pledge to give compensation to the affected people.

Obaidul Quader said around 1200 vehicles including a number of BRTC buses were vandalised and burnt during the blockade.  

He added the affected people would get the compensation soon. 

The minister informed that around 40 drivers and their helpers have been killed in violence due to blockade and hartal.

He also said the government is providing assistance to the families of those who were burnt to death.

Obaidul Quader mentioned that the government has taken all sorts of steps so that the vehicles can move on highway smoothly.

Members of Ansar alongside RAB-Police have been working to ensure security on highway.   

RI