Probe launched after assault on engineer in Ctg, 4 workers transferred

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has taken swift action following the alleged assault of an engineer and the harassment of a female official at the Bidyut Bhaban in Agrabad, Chattogram.

Four workers accused of breaching discipline have been transferred out of the district, and the matter has been referred to PDB's discipline department for investigation.

The incident took place on Tuesday (9 June) afternoon but came to light yesterday after CCTV footage of the altercation went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism. The victims filed a General Diary (GD) with the Double Mooring Police Station yesterday.

According to PDB sources, Plant Operator Mohammad Hafizur Rahman has been transferred to Pabna, Lineman Mohammad Nurunnabi to Bhola, Electrician Mohammad Shafiqul Islam to Sylhet, and Driver Mohammad Ayub to Dinajpur.

The CCTV footage shows 20-30 workers and leaders of the Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) gathering on the fifth floor on Tuesday afternoon. Executive Engineer Nilufa Yasmin was in her office performing official duties when a commotion broke out outside, leading to a scuffle between officials and labour leaders that later turned into a physical altercation.

The footage also shows several officials coming out of nearby offices to defuse the situation, only to be confronted by agitated workers. At one point, Assistant Engineer Mehedi Hasan was allegedly dragged from a room and repeatedly punched.

PDB System Analyst Nilufa Akter said a daily wage-based worker had recently been recruited under a "no work, no pay" arrangement. She alleged that 30-40 people entered her office on Tuesday afternoon and created a tense situation over the recruitment of a daily wage-based worker without consulting CBA leaders.

She alleged that several workers and CBA activists, led by retired employee Gazi Ayub, entered her office and behaved inappropriately. When Assistant Engineer Mehedi Hasan tried to calm the situation, he was allegedly dragged outside and assaulted.

"They grabbed Mehedi Hasan by the collar, dragged him out and beat him indiscriminately," Nilufa Akter said. "Later, when he left the office, he was also threatened with serious harm, including death threats."

She said the incident was reported to higher authorities and a GD was filed with Double Mooring Police Station.

Officer-in-Charge Jamal Uddin Khan confirmed the GD and said legal action would be taken if the allegations are found to be true.

Commenting on the incident, Chief Engineer Kamal Uddin Ahmed said the authorities were concerned and had referred the matter to the investigation and disciplinary department. He added that four individuals had been transferred pending the inquiry.

However, Nazrul Islam, joint general secretary of the central CBA, denied the allegations, saying there was only a minor disagreement over a recruitment and that no one was harassed or assaulted. He also alleged that the recruit was an Awami League activist.