Chattogram lighter ship workers start work abstention
Every day, each ship has to count Tk8.5 lakh to Tk12.7 lakh to stay at the port
Four organisations, including Bangladesh Lighterage Sramik Union, started work abstention at Chattogram port early today to press home their 15-point demand.
Unloading of products from 46 mother vessels and 29 ships stopped at Chittagong port's outer anchorage due to the strike. This might increase the prices of products.
Executive Director of the Water Transport Cell Mahbubur Rashid said, "Every day, 50 lighter ships have been allocated to unload products from mother vessels based on importers' demand. A total of 100 lighter ships have been allocated from Tuesday."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Every day, each ship has to count Tk8.5 lakh to Tk12.7 lakh to stay at the port. If the products are not released in time then importing costs will increase, which will eventually raise the prices of products", said Mahbubul Alam, president of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
President of the Bangladesh Lighterage Sramik Union Sheikh Mohammad Ichha Mia said, "Our demands include hundred percent food allowance, service books, landing passes for workers of India-bound ships and appointment letters."
"We have begun work abstention as the government did not fulfil our demands despite its assurance. This is the fourth time we are on strike," he added.
The three other organisations that have joined the strike are Bangladesh Noujan Sramik league, Bangladesh Cargo Trawler Balket Sramik Union and Balket Sramik Union.
