Ctg lighter vessel workers postpone strike

Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union (BLWU) leaders have postponed their indefinite strike in Chattogram for seven days after meeting with the Chattogram Port Authority on Wednesday.

Nabi Alam, senior vice-president of the BLWU, told The Business Standard, "A meeting was held with the port authorities at Chattogram Bandar Bhaban on Wednesday evening. As the lessee would not be present at Charpara Ghat for the next seven days and the port chairman is out of the country, other demands including cancellation of the lease could not be taken."

"Senior officials of the port have assured that a final decision in this regard will be made as soon as he arrives in the country. Due to these reasons, we have postponed the strike for next seven days.

"All the workers have already been informed about the change. Cargo loading and lighter shipping from mother vessels are currently normal", he added.

Secretary of the port authorities also confirmed the matter.

The strike was organised to press home their three-point charter of demand, including punishment of those who attacked the union president.

The other demands are cancellation of the Charpara Ghat lease, and making provision for safe anchoring of lighter ships at Chattogram port.