Workers strike cripples Ctg, Mongla ports

All internal and external dealings at two major ports in Bangladesh – Chittagong sea port and Mongla port – have come to a halt due to suspension of work by river vessel workers. The lighterage vessel workers are on an indefinite strike from early Saturday morning demanding that their security be ensured and that river routes be freed from extortions, intimidations and robberies. The trigger for the strike was the recent robbery and subsequent disappearance of 7 labourers of river vessels. Lighter Vessels Workers Union and Bangladesh River Vessels Workers Federation backed the workers and decided to observe the strike nationwide, according to a news agency.