River vessel workers resume strike for 2nd day

Following the murder of seven crew members aboard a ship in Chandpur, indefinite strike called by river vessel workers, demanding the uncovering of the truth behind the killings and justice, stepped into Day 2 today.

The strike began at midnight on Thursday and is being observed nationwide, crippling the river route.

In this regard, Mahfuz ul Alam Molla, joint director of the Chandpur Boat Conservation and Management Department of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport, said, “Our leased ghats are facing a halt due to the demands made by the boat workers over the seven murders. It cannot happen. Therefore, with our superiors we will sit with the labour leaders by Sunday to find out a solution.”

Following the killings of the seven workers, including the master, on the MV Al Bakhera ship in Haimchar, Chandpur, the workers demand the discovery of the true cause of the killings, the identification and arrest of the perpetrators, the announcement of government compensation of Tk20 lakh for each victim’s family, and effective measures to end terrorism, extortion and piracy on all waterways.

In this regard, Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md Mohsin Uddin said, “Efforts are underway to discuss the demands with the leaders of boat workers. A solution to the strike will come soon.’