Prime mover and trailer workers in Chattogram on Wednesday went on strike, demanding justice for a prime mover driver and his assistants who were allegedly assaulted during an altercation between security guards and transport workers at the DC Park in Sitakunda鈥檚 Faujdarhat area.
The strike which began Wednesday morning halted all container transportation in and out of the Chattogram port, raising concerns over congestions and operational delays in the port.
According to transport workers, security guards at the DC Park allegedly assaulted a prime mover driver and his assistants from BM Depot Tuesday night.
When fellow workers protested, several of them were held, they said.
The agitating workers vowed to continue their strike until those who were behind the attack are held accountable.
Abul Khayer, general secretary of the Chattogram District Prime Mover and Trailer Workers Union, said, 鈥業f the DC Park is not shut down, we will keep the port closed.
We have four demands, including the arrest of those who attacked our workers. So far, no administration officials have met us. The Sitakunda police officer-in-charge held discussions, but failed to resolve the issue. That is why our workers are keeping their vehicles off the roads.鈥�
The Chattogram Port Authority has expressed concerns over the economic impact of the strike.
CPA secretary Omar Faruk said, 鈥業f goods transport remains suspended, container congestions will increase, and businesses will suffer losses. We have decided to meet with prime mover and trailer workers鈥� representatives to find a solution at the earliest.鈥�
Earlier on Tuesday night, the prime mover and trailer drivers had staged a road blockade at Faujdarhat in Sitakunda over the incident and lifted the blockade at about 5:00am on Wednesday following negotiations between law enforcers, local authorities and workers鈥� representatives.
The other demands of the workers are treatment and compensation for the injured, an alternative access route to the DC Park and the overall safety for transport workers.