3 staff injured as workers attack launch in Patuakhali

Three staff of a launch were injured after water transport workers, who decided to continue their strike, attacked the vessel when it reached Patuakhali from Dhaka on Sunday morning.

Witness said some the protesting workers attacked the staff of Russel-4 around 6:30am. The injured were admitted to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.

On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, said Mustafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.

Water transport workers withdrew their countrywide strike on Saturday night after a fruitful discussion with the government. They were pressing the authorities to accede to their 11-point demand, including an increase in wages.

Thousands of people suffered during the strike lasting 11 hours. The movement of all types of vessels had remained suspended on 33 routes, including Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Bhandaria and Jhalakathi.

The operation of lighterage vessels had also remained suspended at Chattogram river port.