Lighter vessel workers threaten strike over fishing nets in channels
Bangladesh Lighterage Sramik Union gives port authority until 17 August to remove nets from key navigation routes.
Highlights:
- Union threatens lighter vessel movement halt from 17 August
- Fishing nets allegedly obstruct key navigation channels
- Union alleges fishermen attacked vessels and crews
- Port authority urged to clear nets before deadline
Bangladesh Lighterage Sramik Union has threatened to halt lighter vessel movement from 17 August if fishing nets are not removed from several key navigation channels around Chattogram.
The union issued the warning in a letter sent to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) chairman yesterday (10 August), alleging that fishermen are illegally placing nets across waterways used by commercial vessels.
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The affected routes include the waterway from Patenga Jelepara to Parki Beach, the channel from Alpha anchorage to Kutubdia, and the route from Sea Beach to Bhasanchar, according to the letter.
The union said fishing nets frequently become entangled with vessel propellers, posing serious risks to vessels and their crews.
It also alleged that fishermen sometimes attack vessels when their nets become entangled with propellers.
"At different times, when nets become entangled with vessels' propellers, fishermen come in groups and attack the vessels, including throwing stones at sailors," the letter said.
The union further alleged that fishermen from the Bhasanchar area recently took away the master of one vessel and the helmsman of another. They were later rescued with assistance from local residents, it claimed.
Such incidents have caused "extreme anger and dissatisfaction" among vessel crews, according to the workers' organisation.
The union said it had previously written to the port authority three times – on 7 August 2025, 17 August 2025 and 20 July 2026 – seeking action against fishing nets placed in navigation channels.
However, no effective action has been taken so far, the union alleged.
It has now given the authorities until 17 August to remove the nets from the identified areas.
"If the nets are not removed from the mentioned locations by 17 August 2026 and the workers become agitated and stop vessel movement, your authority will bear the responsibility," the letter said.
The union also said workers and labour leaders should not be held responsible if such a shutdown takes place.
The Bangladesh Lighterage Sramik Union represents workers involved in transporting goods through inland and coastal waterways using lighter vessels.
The warning comes amid concerns over vessel safety in the approaches to Chattogram Port, where fishing activities overlap with commercial shipping routes.
