7-murder on cargo vessel: Water transport workers announce indefinite strike
They have also demanded Tk20 lakh in compensation to the families of each crewman of MV Al-Bakhera
Highlights
- Workers demand a thorough investigation
- Tk 20 lakh compensation sought for each victim's family
- Calls for improved vessel and worker safety measures
The water transport workers have announced to go on work abstention for an indefinite period starting at midnight today (26 December), demanding an investigation into the murders of seven people aboard a fertiliser-laden vessel and punishment for the perpetrators, reports Prothom Alo.
Shah Alam, president of the Bangladesh Water Transport Workers' Federation, said the cargo vessel strike will continue alongside the work abstention.
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"Akash Mondal [the suspected killer] murdered the seven people over a mere one month's unpaid salary. This incident is deeply concerning and demands a thorough investigation. We demand a comprehensive inquiry to uncover the true circumstances of this tragic event and identify all those responsible," Alam said.
He called for significant improvements in safety measures for the 10,000 small cargo boats and the hundreds of thousands of workers employed within this sector across the country.
The federation leader also demanded that the government provide a compensation of Tk20 lakh to the families of each individual who lost their life in this tragic incident.
On Monday (23 December), the coast guard and river police recovered five bodies and rescued three injured victims from cargo vessel MV Al-Bakhera, which was anchored in the Meghna River in Chandpur. Later, two of them succumbed to their injuries at the 250-bed General Hospital at Chandpur Sadar.
The eighth member of the crew is still undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The bodies were handed over to families after completing legal procedures on Tuesday.
A case was filed at Haimchar Police Station last night (25 December) following a complaint lodged by the vessel's owner Mahbub Morshed.
A team of RAB-11 arrested Akash Mondal alias Irfan from Bagerhat's Chitalmari area on Tuesday night over the murders. He was later placed on a seven-day remand.
According to RAB, Irfan had drugged the eight crew members before killing them.
During interrogation, Akash also confessed that he planned and executed the murders after getting frustrated with the vessel's master over delayed payments, withheld allowances, and the lack of leave for the crew.
Separate investigation committees have been formed by the Ministry of Industries, the district administration, and the district police to investigate the incident.
Family members of the victims have demanded justice over the premeditated murders.
