Water transport workers have begun an indefinite countrywide strike to press home their 15-point demand, causing huge sufferings to passengers.

The workers suspended the plying of all types of passenger and goods-laden vessels from the Sadarghat, Khulna, and Mongla ports, from morning on Wednesday.

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.

Following the strike, no launches left the Sadarghat terminal in the morning.

Workers at Khulna and Mongla ports also suspended plying of all water transports including good carriers since the midnight.

The workers also kept suspended loading and unloading of goods at the ports.

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.

Earlier on November 20, Noujan Sramik Odhikar Songrokkhon announced the strike at a human chin programme at National Press Club.