CU shuttle train services halted due to staff’s work abstention

Bangladesh Railway stopped operations of three pairs of shuttle trains on the Chittagong University route from today -- following work abstention by the running staff of the railway.

Railway (Eastern) Assistant Transport Officer Md Moniruzzaman confirmed the development, reports our staff correspondent from Chattogram.

The running staff stopped working after yesterday's eight hours of duty as per their earlier announcement, demanding restoration of their previous benefits for working extra hours, said Mojibur Rahman, convener of the Bangladesh Railway Running Employees Unity Council of Chattogram Division.

The running staff, including loco master, assistant loco master, sub loco master or shunting loco master, carriage attendant, guards and ticket checkers, also announced a demonstration and rally for later in the day.

Earlier, they threatened to go for a tougher programme from January 31 if all their demands were not met by January 30.

The running staff usually performs overtime duty beyond an eight-hour schedule due to a shortage of manpower.