Benapole Transport Agency Owners Association, along with four other organisations, have announced an indefinite strike from Wednesday to press home three demands, including withdrawal of an official of the port.
Azim Uddin Gazi, general secretary of Benapole Transport Agency Owners Association, made the announcement on Tuesday, saying they will go for an indefinite work abstention from Wednesday.
The demands include withdrawing Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, deputy director of Benapole land port, appointing a skilled driver after increasing the supply of equipment needed for the port, and keep the port area free from traffic congestion after expanding designated places and ensuring adequate sheds.
The five organizations staged a demonstration in front of the port.
Loading and unloading of goods at Benapole port remained suspended on Tuesday as the Federation of Bangladesh C&F Agents Association observed a daylong strike at the port to press home their several demands.
Trade between India and Bangladesh remained suspended following the strike, at least through the ports affected by the strike.
Azizur Rahman, customs commissioner at Benapole Customs, said the customs house, port and checkpost activities were operating as normal during the daylong strike.
Activities at a number of ports including Chittagong port, Dhaka customs, ICT, Mongla Port, Hili Port, Sonamasjid port and Bhomra port were however suspended as the strike was enforced countrywide.
Azim said the loading and unloading activities of the port have been disrupted due to a crane forklift at the port.
The transport agency owners placed their demand for ensuring adequate supply of port equipment but the authorities concerned did not pay any heed to their demand.
Besides, Mamun is involved in many irregularities taking advantage of his post, he said.
Azim also threatened to continue their movement until their demands are met.
