CHATTOGRAM, Dec 28, 2024 (BSS) – The countrywide work abstention program enforced by Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation (BWTWF) to protest the recent killing of 7 crew members has been continuing for second consecutive days today. 

The work stoppage of transport workers for indefinite period resulted cargo transportation a standstill across the country that left tones of goods stranded at outer anchorage of the port, different jetties, private landing stations as well as water routes.  

Rejecting the law enforcer’s statement that the detained crew Akash Mondol alias Irfan alone carried out the brutal murder of his 7 colleagues, BWTWF leaders said that in-depth investigation was required to unveil the cruelty as only one person could not kill the seven one after another by sharp weapon. 

Seven crew members asleep on broad the MV Al-Bakhera , an inland cargo vessel were murdered brutally in the Meghna River in Chandpur in the early morning of December 23 last. The   brutality was occurred while the vessel had been anchored at Chandpur carrying 720 tones of urea fertilizer from Chattogram to Baghabari.

A nationwide strike by inland vessel workers has paralyzed cargo movements across the country leaving tones of goods stranded at ports and waterways.

Talking to BSS Shahdat Hossain, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Naojan Sramik Federation (BNSF) urged the government to carry out proper investigation to unearth the real mystery of this incident. 

He said their demands include arrest of culprits behind the incident, compensation for the families of victims and injured persons, unearthing the facts behind the horrific incident in AL Bakhera and ensure safety of water transport workers. 

Demanding proper probe and taking effective measures to prevent recurrence of such incident BWTWF Federation President Shah Alam said they will not suspend or withdraw their strike until their demands are met. 

Meanwhile, the loading and unloading of cargoes to and from foreign vessels at outer anchorage of ports came to almost halt as a nationwide indefinite strike was called by water transport workers that began from yesterday. 

These goods includes sugar, lentils, edible oil, salt, wheat, coal, stone, and industrial raw materials and fertilizer. 

Talking to BSS, Anwar Pasha, the Administrator of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) said ensuring proper security and safety of transport workers should be addressed on priority basis. 

He requested leaders and workers to begin their work for greater interest of the trade and economy as well as to avoid negative impact on commodity prices in domestic market. “As a leading trade body, CCCI is ready to play role involving all stakeholders to end the current impasse” he added.   

Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC), shipping agents and ship handling operators sources said loading and unloading activities of 20 mother vessels anchored at outer anchorage of Kutubdia  has been suspended due to the work abstention since yesterday morning.