A bleeding transport sector

The continuous countrywide blockade has left the communications system in complete disarray, causing severe disruption to transport and communications with far-off destinations, especially North Bengal, in addition to triggering irreparable losses to the sector.

As a result of arson attacks and vandalism, only 40% of buses are currently operating on highways. Although law enforcers have decided to deploy 12,000 Ansars in 993 highway spots around the country which have been identified as“risky,” it remains to be seen how effective this move would be in ensuring safe passages to those travelling long distances. 

Meanwhile, the blockade has substantially cut-off raw material supply lines to manufacturing units, resulting in disruption in productive sectors. The agricultural sector, too, has had to bear the brunt with farmers struggling to market their produce. Only 40%-45% of cargo trucks are operating under the special protection of law enforcement agencies. This is an unsustainable and inadequate solution to an enduring problem.

According to transport owners, the sector loses around Tk. 3 billion per day as a result of the blockade. In addition, transport workers are facing an uncertain future with irregular work hours and risk of death and injury if and when they do work.

When the transport sector, which makes up 7.31% of the country's GDP, bleeds, it naturally affects many other sectors of the $150 billon economy.

It is high time for serious conflict resolution efforts between the major political stakeholders for normalcy to return to our lives.