Transport owners have threatened an indefinite strike on 18 major southern routes from December 2 if authorities fail to curb the operation of illegal BRTC buses and unauthorised three-wheelers on highways within the stipulated time.

The announcement was made at a press conference at Bagerhat Press Club yesterday, attended by representatives from nine transport owners' associations from Khulna and Barishal divisions.

In a written statement, Md Anwarul Islam, president of the Rupsha–Bagerhat Bus, Minibus, Coach and Microbus Owners' Association, said unauthorised BRTC and leased BRTC buses had long been operating on highways, causing financial losses for private operators.

He added that despite a High Court directive banning the movement of unauthorised vehicles such as Nosimon and Korimon on highways, they continue to operate openly.

"We have held multiple meetings with the district administration, BRTA and BRTC officials, but no effective action has been taken. This is our final warning," he said.

The owners' key demands include stopping unauthorised BRTC and leased BRTC buses, enforcing the rule allowing only one counter at district terminals and removing counters set up along highways, stopping long-route buses from picking up local passengers, and banning unauthorised three-wheelers — including Nosimon, Korimon, Mahindra and auto-rickshaws — from highways.

Several other leaders from 10 transport owners' associations across the 18 southern routes also joined. Following the press briefing, the leaders formed a human chain in front of Bagerhat Press Club to press home their demands.