Strike disrupts movement of launches

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Civil aviation and Tourism Minister M Faruk Khan speaking at a seminar in the city Wednesday organised by Media Initiative for Public Policy. — Focus Bangla Photo

FE Report
Thousands of launch crew left water for high-land Saturday as their indefinite strike over wage hike snapped communications in some of the country's remotest coastal districts, stranding passengers at the main river terminals.
People travelling to and from southern coastal districts were left stranded at the river ports after the largest crew and masters' union -- Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation -- called the sudden strike demanding at least 300 per cent wage hike.
Officials said at least eight big vessels and a small launch left the capital's main river terminal till midday with heavy police protection. But a visit by the shipping minister could not convince hundreds of other launches to defy the strike.
"Nine launches have left the Sadarghat terminal until 12 noon. Many masters and crew have ignored the strike and are operating their vessels," senior Deputy Director (traffic) of the terminal Md Ali Siddiqqui said.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) also claimed that strike had little impact on the movement of launches - the main mode of transportation for 20 million people living in the country's coastal districts and islands.
But the largest federation, which claims to represent 15,000 launch masters and crew, said barring a few, no vessels operated in the country since they enforced the strike at Friday midnight.
"Some workers who are lackeys of the government tried to operate some vessels. But we have foiled their anti-union move," said Chowdhury Atiqur Rahman, secretary general of the union.
Rahman said the launch workers would not go back to their work unless the government increases their basic minimum monthly wages to Tk 4,100 - a 300 per cent jump from their existing basic payments of Tk 1,350.
"The minister and the owners have assured us that they would raise salaries by up to 60 per cent. But it is not enough for a decent living. We cannot accept a pay-scale that won't improve our living condition an iota," he said.
Hundreds of passengers were seen at the Sadarghat terminal with their bag and baggage, finding no vessel to take them home. Many went back despite assurances by the terminal officials that movement would be normal within hours.
Security was tight in all the main river terminals in the central and southern parts of the country. But except some rallies and protest marches, there were no reports of violence.
Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan has termed the strike unlawful after visiting the Sadarghat terminal. He also warned the strikers of "action" for any violence and intimidation.
Some 200 to 250 members of the Federation brought out a procession at Gulistan at about 11:00am, demanding immediate release of eight people who were arrested following a clash with other workers Friday.
Police nabbed the eight on charges of vandalism and creating chaos at the city's main terminal. They also filed a case against 22 identified and over 100 unidentified crew.