Transport workers withdraw strike on Bangabandhu Bridge

Transport workers have withdrawn their impromptu strike, protesting against a police assault on a truck driver, on the east side of the Bangabandhu Bridge after three hours.

Vehicular movement remained suspended on the bridge between 7am and 10am on Saturday.

Police held a meeting with the transport workers after they went on strike, Tangail District Truck Workers’ Union President Bala Mia told the Dhaka Tribune.

“The sub-inspector who beat up the driver has been suspended,” he said. “Police will foot the treatment cost of the injured driver as well.”

Sources say Sub-Inspector Nure Alam stopped a truck on the highway near the bridge and demanded bribe. He hit the truck driver on the face when the former refused to give him money.

When other truck drivers learned about the incident, they parked their vehicles on the road and stopped vehicular movement.

The strike created huge tailbacks on both ends of the bridge.

SI Alam could not be reached over phone.