Death of Dock Worker
Security tightened at Mongla Port as jobless workers intensify agitation
With tension mounting at Mongla Port following death of dock worker Delwar Hossain on Friday night, security measures have been stepped up there to stave off any untoward incident.
Dockworkers have continued their demonstration at the port demanding their dues from Mongla Port Authority and protesting introduction of berth operating system following abolition of Dock Workers Management Board that has thrown over 3,000 workers of different categories out of jobs.
“My husband died of a heart attack after starving for three days as he lost his job with the introduction of berth operating system on August 1,” said Ayesha Begum, 65, wife of the deceased dockworker Delwar Hossain, 70.
“My father did not get any financial benefit after losing his job. As a result, he fell sick due to frustration and three days of starvation,” said Ali Hossain, 32, eldest son of the deceased.
Terming elderly Delwar's death as a result of protracted illness, Lutfor Rahman, member (Operation) of Mongla Port Authority, said a vested interest group spread the rumour of Delwar's death from starvation to vitiate peaceful atmosphere now prevailing at the port.
He claimed that the newly introduced berth operating system abolishing Mongla Dock Workers' Management Board has infused a new life into port activities by hastening loading and unloading works within the shortest possible time at lower costs.
He said a Singapore flag bearer MV Kota Rukun left Mongla Port on August 4 after loading containers of jute goods and frozen shrimps in less than 24 hours while Malta flag bearer MV Anna-A that arrived on August 4 left the port yesterday after unloading 12,300 tonnes of urea fertiliser imported by BCIC from China.
The two instances indicate effectiveness of berth operating system that will save Mongla Port from the deadlock that prevailed for long due to influence of corrupt officials and leaders of now abolished Dock Workers' Management Board, said Syed Zahid Hossain, a leader of Mongla Port Stevedores Association and proprietor of The Khulna Traders.
Under the newly introduced berth operating system, stevedores have now been authorised to appoint dockworkers directly at the time of gang booking which could not be done previously.
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