Due to a workers' strike, water transport services on 18 routes from Barishal came to a halt as of Sunday midnight, putting passengers through difficulties.
The protest was declared by the water transport employees on Saturday night to highlight their ten-point demand, which includes increasing the minimum wage to Tk 20,000.
Workers removed launches from Barishal terminal at 12am Sunday and movement of vessels, including those on long routes, remained suspended, according to Barishal water transport owners.
President of Noujan Sramik Sangram Parishad, Master Ekin Ali said they will continue the strike until their demands are met.
There are other demands from the workers too like, providing appointment letter, identity card and service book to workers; formation of Contributory Provident Fund and Seafarer Welfare Fund to provide food and sea allowances; providing Tk 10 lakh compensation for accident and death while on duty.