DHAKA, 30 April, 2021 (TON): Nationwide protests have been called by the transport workers, urging the government to unban the public transport system amidst the pandemic crisis.

They plan to bring out processions across the country on Sunday and hold a sit-in at the deputy commissioners' offices.

Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation said that the transport ban has left at least 50 percent of the workers unemployed, while the government kept shops and malls open in the pandemic lockdown.

They urged the government to allow the public transports to run with half of their seats vacant, a requirement under the health protocols.

Osman Ali, secretary of the group said, “As the transport workers work in close proximity to the public, they face the highest risk to contract the coronavirus. It’s risky for the passengers as well. Under the circumstances, it is logical to ban the public transport; but at the same time ensuring the livelihoods of the transport workers should be considered too.”

“They need to make a living to survive,” he added.

He further stated, "We're not against the lockdown. It was decided that offices, courts, educational institutions and everything else would be closed. Transport workers never objected to the banning of public transports. But as the lockdown has been relaxed, garment factories, shopping malls and kitchen markets are open."

Meanwhile, the secretary presented three demands that the Public transports should be allowed to carry goods and passengers to 50 percent of their capacity under the health protocols, road transport workers should be provided with financial assistance and food aid, and the transport workers should be provided rice at Tk 10 per kg through an open market sale.