Transport workers on strike in Pabna

The transport workers went on an indefinite strike in the district yesterday, protesting rampant extortion on highways.

Pabna Transport Workers' Association called the strike from a protest rally held at Pabna bus stand in the town on Monday.

A large number of passengers faced immense sufferings due to the sudden strike from yesterday morning.

A gang used to forcibly collect huge money from each vehicle in Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj district since long.

The extortionists often tortured the drivers and helpers when they declined to pay the money.

Despite repeated pleas, the local administration is yet to take any action against the gang, said Firoz Khan, president of the association.

On Monday morning, a gang beat up one Md Babu, driver of Dhaka-bound night coach Star Paribahan in the district, as he declined to pay money as per their demand.

Agitating transport workers at a protest rally at night called the strike, demanding exemplary punishment of the attackers and taking immediate move to stop rampant extortion on Dhaka-Pabna highway in Shahjadpur, Ullapara and different other points, said Firoz.