Launch services were suspended at Sadarghat this morning after an organisation of workers started enforcing an impromptu strike, causing immense suffering to the commuters.

The Noujan Sramik Odhikar Songrokkhon (protection of rights of the vessel workers) went on work abstention in Dhaka, Chandpur and Barishal on Tuesday midnight without any notice, said Rezaul Karim Bhuiya, in-charge of Sadarghat River Police station.

They are trying to force the authorities concerned to accede to their 11-point demand.

No launches left the Sadarghat Launch Terminal since 6am today.

Asiqur Rahman Patal, general secretary of Bangladesh River-Route Workers Federation, said they are opposing the strike called by the “illegal organisation”.

“We’ll start operating launches on 33 routes, including Chandpur and Barishal, from 5pm,” he said. “A meeting is going on between the owners and workers of the federation to foil the strike.”