The shocking incident involving the murder of seven crew members aboard a cargo vessel in Chandpur has sparked an indefinite strike by waterway workers, starting after midnight on Thursday (26 December).
The workers are demanding a thorough investigation, justice, and compensation for the victims' families.
Bangladesh Waterways Workers Federation President Shah Alam, confirmed the strike via mobile communication.
He elaborated on the incident, stating that Akash Mondal, also known as Irfan, the son of Jagadish Mondal from Mulghar East Union in Bagerhat, coldly hacked eight staff members aboard the fertiliser-laden cargo vessel MV Al Bakhira.
Remarkably, Akash piloted the large vessel single-handedly after the attack, raising suspicions that he may not have acted alone.
"We demand a proper investigation by the authorities to uncover the truth and identify any accomplices involved in this gruesome act," said Shah Alam.
He further called for increased security measures for the country’s fleet of 10,000 small cargo vessels and their over one lakh workers.
Additionally, he demanded compensation of 20 lakh taka for each victim from the government.
"Until our demands are met, the strike on cargo vessels will continue indefinitely," he declared.
Assistant Superintendent of Chandpur River Police, Imtiaz Ahmed, stated that Akash Mondal, now in custody, has been placed on a seven-day remand as part of the ongoing investigation to uncover key details. He revealed that Akash converted to Islam a year ago and joined the MV Al Bakhira as a deckhand eight months ago through the vessel's master, Golam Kibria, who was among the victims of the brutal attack.
The strike and the demands for safety and justice underscore the heightened insecurity faced by waterway workers, as this unprecedented tragedy reverberates across Bangladesh’s waterways.
