Murder on vessel: Water transport workers' strike continues

Water transport workers across the country have been observing work abstention, demanding a thorough investigation into the murders of seven crewmen in a cargo vessel in Chandpur and the bringing of its perpetrators to justice.

The strike, which began on Thursday midnight, affects all cargo vessels but excludes passenger vessels, according to the Bangladesh Water Transport Workers' Federation (BWTWF).

Nabi Alam, joint general secretary of the BWTWF, told TBS, "In the past, there have been meetings before strikes. The current government has not held any meetings. Even if it's Friday, the workers are angry and will not call off the strike without a meeting."

Around 200 vessels, including oil tanker lighter vessels, operate daily from Chittagong Port to 34 domestic routes.

The tragedy unfolded on Monday when the coast guard and river police recovered the bodies of five crew members and rescued three others with critical injuries from the MV Al-Bakhera, which was en route to Sirajganj. 

Two of the injured later died at Chandpur Sadar's 250-bed General Hospital. The eighth crew member remains hospitalised at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

15 lakh tonnes of goods stuck at ports

Due to the ongoing work stoppage, nearly 15 lakh tonnes of goods are stranded at 45 docks across the country and at Chittagong Port's outer anchorage.

Among the goods are wheat, lentils, peas, soybean seeds, fertilisers, coal, and cement raw materials such as clinker. The transportation of Z-fuel for planes at all airports has also been halted.

If the goods cannot be unloaded on time due to the strike, importers may face penalties as these vessels are on fixed-term contracts, insiders say.

Speaking to TBS, Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, director general of the Department of Shipping, said, "The suspects in the murder of the seven crew members were quickly arrested. Investigations into those behind the incident are ongoing."

He added, "The coast guard and river police are ensuring security on the waterways and that water transport workers have been urged to end the strike by Friday. A meeting with officials is scheduled for Sunday."