Dinajpur: The workers and staff of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company continued their indefinite strike for the third consecutive day on Tuesday in order to press home their 13-point demand, which includes the payment of nine months of arrears.

Over a thousand workers began their strike from 6:00am on Sunday.

Taking position at the company’s main entrance, the coal workers staged demonstrations in the morning.

Workers’ leaders said they gave an ultimatum to the authorities on April 26 and proceeded with the strike as the authorities paid no heed to their demand.

The 13-point demands also include permanent employment of outsourced workers as per the company organogram, introduction of profit bonus, introduction of gratuity bonuses, a reduced 6-hour working shift for underground workers, rehabilitation of families whose homes were damaged due to mine operations, compensation for family members in the form of employment in the mining company etc.

Managing Director of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company (BCMCL) Habib Uddin Ahmed said the other activities of the coal mine have been running properly – the strike has not hampered the coal supply in the power plant.

Moreover, efforts were being made to resolve the matter as soon as possible, he said.