The picture shows the Majhirghat area in Chittagong on Saturday during the country-wide strike of water vessels called demanding an end to extortion and robbery and security of workers. — Focus Bangla All internal and external dealings at two major seaports in Chittagong and Mongla have come to a halt due to suspension of work by river vessel workers, reports bdnews24.com.
The workers are on an indefinite strike from Saturday demanding that their security be ensured and that river routes be freed from extortion, intimidation and robberies.
The trigger for the strike was the recent robbery and subsequent disappearance of seven labourers. Lighter Vessels Workers Union and Bangladesh River Vessels Workers Federation backed the workers and decided to observe the strike nationwide.
The union's general secretary Nabi Alam told the news agency that a fertilizer-laden vessel, MV Karnaphuli-5, was heading towards Baghabari from Chittagong on Friday evening when it was attacked.
The boat was ambushed by robbers in Ramgati Upazila under Lakkhipur. After looting the ship, the raiders confined three of the 10 workers to a cabin. The seven others have been missing since then.
"Labourers around the country spontaneously halted work on the news of the incident. We supported it when we were contacted," Nabi said.
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