Bangladesh Auto-Rickshaw Light Vehicle Transport Workers Federation (BALTWF) has demanded that the government take strict action against extortionists in the transport sector ahead of the resumption of public transport after a two-month break.
In a joint statement on Saturday, BALTWF President Abul Hossain and General Secretary Golam Faruk welcomed the government decision to reopen the transport sector maintaining health guidelines, reports UNB.
They said the government must ensure an end to extortion.
“Extortions must be stopped. It creates anarchy in the transport sector and does not do the workers any good,” the BALTWF leaders said adding that those who were involved in extortion in the past must be identified and brought to book.
They also urged the transport workers to raise their voices against extortionists.
Hossain and Faruk called on the government to announce stimulus packages for the affected transport owners and workers for recovery of their losses due to the general holiday declared to limit transmission of coronavirus.
The government has decided not to extend the general holiday beyond May 30 and partially lifted restrictions on mass transport and allowed limited operations of offices from Sunday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the holiday from March 26, shortly after Bangladesh announced its first COVID-19 death. The government extended the holidays in phases until May 30 and decided to partially resume economic activities for the sake of the people and their livelihoods.
