Water transport workers have called off their work abstention after 45 hours after government assured them of fulfilling their demands.

The announcement was made at 9:20pm after a meeting between the Director General (DG) of the Department of Shipping and leaders of the Bangladesh Workers Transport Federation and the Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union at the DG Shipping office in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union General Secretary Afsar Hussain Chowdhury told The Daily Star that officials assured a thorough investigation into the killing of seven crew members aboard the MV Al-Bakhera.

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He said the officials also assured them that their other demands -- the arrest of the culprits, and compensation for the victims and injured workers -- will be met too.

With these assurances, the workers decided to end their work abstention, he added.

In their statement, the workers also expressed their gratitude to the government for responding to their demands, and urged for swift action to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of workers.

They emphasised the importance of justice for the victims' families and promised to continue their duties with renewed commitment.