Dhaka: Vessel workers went on an indefinite strike across the country on Wednesday midnight to press home their 15-point demand.

The strike, jointly enforced by Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation and Bangladesh River Vessel Workers Federation, began at 12:01am.

The associations’ demands include raising the minimum basic wage of the vessel workers to Tk 10,000 from the existing Tk 4,150, giving them formal appointment, issuing identity cards and service book, and ensuring their social security.

Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam, general secretary of Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation, said the strike will continue until their demands are met.

As the strike got underway, most of the river vessels, including launches, and goods, sand and oil-laden ones, stayed off the waterways across the country, causing immense sufferings to people.

Meanwhile, several launches left Sadarghat Launch Terminal in the capital for Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chandpur and Khulna amid the strike.

On the other hand, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan hoped that the vessel workers would withdraw their strike soon.

‘I hope the workers will call off their strike soon as discussions are underway with vessel owners and workers over the issue,’ he said while talking to reporters after a programme in Mirpur of the capital.

The minister said the vessel owners and workers themselves will have to resolve their problems.

Pointing at the workers, Shajahan said they should not go on a strike taking people hostage.