“Nothing to do if bus operators call sudden strike, cause public sufferings”

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (October 23, 2022) said that he has nothing to do if private bus operators call a sudden strike and cause public sufferings.

Quader, also the general secretary of ruling Awami League, gave the reply after a reporter asked him a question, referring to a sudden strike called by bus operators in Khulna ahead of BNP's Saturday rally.

He was speaking at a press conference after joining a program at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre today (October 23, 2022).

Khulna District Bus-Minibus Owners' Association announced the suspension of services two days ahead of the BNP rally, but said in an official statement they were doing this in protest against the operation of three-wheelers on the highways.

They withdrew the strike immediately the BNP rally ended their rally.

Similarly, a transportation strike, which was not declared earlier, was enforced in the Mymensingh division ahead of the rally on October 15.

When a reporter asked the minister whenever BNP called a rally at a certain place, local bus operators called strike; and whether the bus operators, taking route permits from government authority, can call such a sudden strike, the minister did not give any direct answer.

He rather said, "Had the operation of buses been suspended in Chattogram [before their rally? As a journalist, you have to know this."

When the reporter asked about the two-day strike in Khulna particularly, he said, "Ask the bus owners."

Replying to a question whether bus operators can do that, he said, "Even when I am a minister, they [bus operators] had called strike against me. Didn't you see? They smear mud, sand, and even cow dung in faces by halting vehicles. Didn't they?"

"It's not my concern whether private operators would operate their vehicles or not. I did not halt the operation of BRTC buses," Quader said.

Asked whether he did not have any responsibility in this regard as a minister, he said, "When they can even do this [enforce strike] against me, what can I do here? Did you come forward for me at that time?"

Replying to another question he said Awami League will not call counter programmes. He said that they will take safe exit if people want that through the election.