• Railway workers unions, including Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Sramik Karmachari Union, are holding an indefinite nationwide railway strike since the early morning hours (local time) on January 28. 
• The strike comes after the alleged failure in negotiations with the government over multiple demands, including a provision for special allowance after retirement for railway staff and workers, which the former Awami League (AL) government suspended in November 2021.  
• As a part of the strike, the railway staff and the workers will remain absent from work.  
• Bangladesh Railway operates more than 350 passenger trains, including over 100 intercity trains, and over 36 freight trains daily.  

1. The strike is likely to be widely adhered to, based on the mobilization capabilities of the unions. As of writing, no protests are announced by the unions. However, spontaneous gatherings are liable nationwide, particularly in Dhaka and the major railway stations in the city. Gatherings are also likely outside the Ministry of Railways building in Dhaka. The authorities are expected to deploy a bolstered security presence near the potential locations of protests to monitor proceedings.  
2. Considering heightened sentiments over the issue, coupled with the dissatisfaction with the interim government’s ability to meet the demands of the union, the strike carries potential for unrest. This includes isolated scuffles with the authorities, particularly should the potential protests turn disruptive and breach security protocols. In such cases, harsh dispersal measures are unlikely given the associated negative optics.  
3. Significant disruptions to passenger and cargo rail services nationwide are expected from January 28 and on upcoming days. Besides, overcrowding on other available public transport services, such as public buses, can be expected nationwide, especially in Dhaka. Due to the anticipated increase in the use of private vehicles, traffic is also likely to be heavier than usual on major national highways connecting Dhaka with other main cities. In case of spontaneous protests, localized disruptions to vehicular movement should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest locations from January 28. 

Those operating or residing in Bangladesh on January 28 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations and allot for travel disruptions due to the ongoing railway strike.