Public transport will run across the country during Awami League’s ‘lockdown’

The Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation has announced that all types of vehicles will operate across the country during the nationwide ‘lockdown’ called by the banned Awami League for tomorrow (Monday).

Humayun Kabir Khan, the organization’s Acting General Secretary, made the statement at a press conference in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Sunday (November 16).

Key Statements from the Federation:
Operation: Humayun Kabir Khan stated at the press conference that transport owners and workers are carrying out their duty to keep the country’s communication system operational.

Action Against Violence: He confirmed that if any unexpected incidents occur, they will be resisted.

Government Support: He also acknowledged that administrative officials are working tirelessly to maintain law and order and keep the country’s activities normal.

Condemnation: He said, “The Awami League has declared this lockdown to obstruct the work of the interim government, which is preparing for the upcoming election.” The Federation strongly condemns these programs and acts of sabotage and has demanded appropriate compensation from the government for the affected workers and owners.

Past Violence: The Road Transport Workers Federation reported that during the Awami League’s ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program last Thursday, nearly 20 vehicles were set on fire across the country. In Mymensingh, driver Julhas was killed when a bus was set on fire. Transport workers held protest rallies across the country in response to this killing.

Political Context:
The nationwide lockdown has been called by the Awami League in protest against the verdict set to be announced tomorrow (Monday) by the International Crimes Tribunal against the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other defendants in the case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising.