Mongla cargo workers strike demanding justice for MV Al-Bakhera murders
Cargo vessel workers in Mongla initiated an indefinite strike today, demanding justice for the brutal killings of seven crewmembers aboard bulk carrier MV Al-Bakhera.
The strike, which began at midnight yesterday, is part of a nationwide protest called by the Bangladesh Launch Labour Association. Passenger vessels remain unaffected by the strike.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Mohammad Anwar Chowdhury, general secretary of the association's Mongla branch, stated that the strike aims to press for compensation for the victims' families and swift prosecution of the perpetrators.
"Workers from all types of cargo vessels, including those transporting oil, gas, and sand, have ceased operations as part of this movement," he said.
Mohammad Mamun Hawlader Badsha, general secretary of the Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union, expressed frustration over the lack of government action following the killings. He demanded Tk 20 lakh in compensation for each victim's family and effective measures to curb crime, extortion, and piracy on the country's waterways.
"The strike will continue until justice is served," he affirmed.
The horrific incident occurred on December 23 aboard MV Al-Bakhera, which was carrying urea from Chattogram's KAFCO Jetty to Baghabari in Sirajganj. It had nine crewmembers onboard when it anchored in Chandpur's Meghna River near Monipur Tek Khalpar. Seven crewmembers were killed in the attack.
A surviving crewmember, Sukani Jewel, who sustained critical injuries, provided crucial information leading to the arrest of prime suspect Akash Mondal, alias Irfan, from Bagerhat by Rab forces. Initial investigations suggest that Akash, reportedly frustrated over unpaid wages and lack of leave, planned and executed the murders, poisoning the master and subsequently killing the others to cover his tracks.
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