Tanker lorry strike halts fuel supply to 8 northern dists

Tanker lorry workers began an indefinite strike at Parbatipur's railway fuel depot in Dinajpur on Tuesday (October 13), halting fuel supplies to eight northern districts in protest against the detention of three workers and alleged misconduct towards a labour leader.

The workers are demanding the unconditional release of the three detained colleagues, the removal of two sub-inspectors and two constables allegedly involved in the misconduct, and an apology to the labour leader.

Ataur Rahman Atu, president of the Rangpur Divisional Tank Lorry Workers' Union, alleged that the incident involving the labour leader took place inside Parbatipur Police Station between 11:00PM and midnight on Monday (October 12).

Police said the three workers had been detained on allegations of drug use. A disagreement between police and tanker lorry workers over the detentions led to the subsequent developments, according to the police.

Parbatipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arafat Aman Aziz and Officer-in-Charge Abdul Wadud later held talks with the striking workers at the divisional union office in an effort to resolve the dispute and restore fuel transportation.

However, the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the release of the three detainees and the workers' other demands. The strike was continuing at the time of reporting.

-EM