BTLWF threatens strike from October 23

Bangladesh Tank-Lorry Worker Federation (BTLWF) has threatened to go on strike from October 23 demanding a 10-point charter including prevention of alleged harassments by law enforcers on the roads.

BTLWF general secretary Rezaul Karim Reza came up with the announcement at a press conference in the conference room of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Monday.

He urged the government to provide driving licence to tank-lorry drivers in easy conditions and stop the harassments committed by police on the roads.

“We are the most discriminated portion in the transport sector. After bringing fuel oil from abroad, the government put its responsibility on our shoulders. We fulfill our national and humanitarian responsibilities by delivering the fuel to the consumer level. But neither the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) nor the ministry respect us,” Reza said.

Five lakh accident insurance of tank-lorries should be implemented immediately, he suggested, adding that, “A minimum wage board must be constituted to determine the minimum wage structure of tank-lorry workers.”

All the records of workers including appointment letters, identity cards and service books must be preserved following the labour law and rules, he demanded.

BTLWF president Md ShahJahan Bhuyan, who presided over the conference, said that all tanker terminals and oil depots should be built with essential facilities along with central tanker terminals across the country.

Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation should separately assist the tank-lorry workers across the country, he demanded.