Dhaka, May 15 (H.S.): A 12-hour strike organized by the employee union at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh, has halted all operations since 6 AM today, disrupting container transportation. The strike responds to alleged police excesses against union members. The drivers of prime movers and workers involved demand action against the police, claiming that the police attacked the union president and two other members. Humayun Kabir, the executive president of the District Prime Mover Workers Union, reported that police excesses occurred during a protest at the union office.

The police reportedly seized a driver’s identification card and license, prompting the strike. Port officials confirmed that operations at the port and 21 private inland container depots have ceased due to the strike. Allegations include assault by the police on union president Salim Khan and two drivers, Dilwar Hussain and Mohammad Faisal, while they attempted to resolve a dispute. Humayun accused Sub-Inspector Al Amin of coercing a driver to transport an injured person and seizing his documents upon refusal. Following unrest, union leaders managed to calm the workers, considering a scheduled visit from the chief advisor to Chattogram.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar