Fuel supply halted in 15 dists
Supply of fuel was suspended yesterday in 15 districts of Khulna division and greater Faridpur, following a 10-hour strike enforced by tank-lorry workers, demanding withdrawal of a case filed against two fellow workers over a road accident.
All ten districts of Khulna division along with Gopalganj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Madaripur and Rajbari have been affected by the strike as the workers of three state-owned oil companies -- Padma, Meghna and Jamuna -- expressed solidarity with tank-lorry workers and refused to load oil to vehicles.
Rakib Sheik, a worker of Padma Oil Depot of Khalishpur area said, workers of the depot did not load oil as they followed the instruction of Khulna’s tank-lorry workers’ union.
Sheikh Nur Islam, president of Khulna Division Tank-Lorry Workers’ Union told The Daily Star that an accident took place on April 4 in Aronghata area of Khulna. No one was killed but police filed a case against two workers. Police also submitted charge sheet against them.
“Through peaceful strike we want to get proper solution,“ said Nur Islam.
“After a meeting with other associated workers’ and owners’ associations, we will decide our future plan,” he added.
Four organisations of fuel businessmen have expressed solidarity with the workers and suspended supply and transportation of fuel.
The work abstention started at 8am and continued until late in the day, as the workers did not receive any assurance from authorities concerned.
Meanwhile, people of the districts where oil supply is suspended, expressed concern that they will not be able to commute as transportation services will not have enough fuel to operate.
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