Staff Reporter :
Comilla’s Bibir Bazar land port, one of the country’s most important trading hubs, has recently become a hotbed of workers’ backlash. There has been widespread dissatisfaction with the leadership of the workers’ union and labor management. It has been alleged that the leadership of the Clearing and Forwarding Agent (Reg. No. Chittagong 2431) and the Workers’ Federation (Reg. No. Chattogram 24)—these two organizations—is largely concentrated in the hands of a particular family. This is neglecting the interests of ordinary workers and creating unrest in the port area.
Yesterday, Wednesday(February 5), the port
As a result of an internal dispute among the workers, labor leader Abul Kalam Azad (Babul) (65) was physically attacked. It is alleged that Abdur Rahim, who was working as an illegal laborer, injured him by punching and kicking him. Although the injured Babul returned home after receiving treatment at the hospital, the situation in the port area is tense due to the incident.
It has been learned on the spot that the current president of the Clearing and Forwarding Agents Organization, Said Ahmed Sujan, vice-president Fulmia, general secretary Kamal Hossain, deputy general secretary Arman, organizing secretary Kausar Hamid, and office secretary Mintu Mia, are all close to Abdur Rahim, an influential figure in the organization. Similarly, the influence of the same family is clear in the Workers Federation. Ordinary workers complain that this dynastic control is holding the interests of the workers hostage and is aggravating the power of the organization.
Meanwhile
The conflict over “labor setting” among port workers is at its peak. CNF Secretary Shrimal Pal has claimed, “The Commissioner does not have the authority to make labor setting, it will be done by the birotation labor leaders.” On the other hand, there have been allegations that many of the forwarding clearing workers are working illegally. If the workers unite and demand their fair rights, the CNF leaders have assured them of being with them.
The investigation further revealed that Abdur Rahim has direct links to a powerful political party in the country. From this political umbrella, he has established a single-handed dominance in the labor organization and port management. Using his political influence, he has blocked the development of alternative leadership and all the decisions of the organization are being conducted according to his wishes.
Ordinary workers complain that any kind of opposition leads to physical and mental torture. The attack on Babul is proof of this. If any of the workers speak out, they are expelled from the organization or face threats.
Workers’ demands and future actions
Democratic reorganization of the organization – The workers want the leadership of the organization to be democratically restructured, ending the dynastic rule. Expulsion of illegal workers – Identify workers through proper registration and cancel the work permits of illegals. Stop political influence – Labor organizations should be kept neutral and free from political influence. Fair trial for injured workers – The attack on Babul should be investigated properly and action should be taken against the accused.Finally, it can be said
The current situation of the workers’ organization at the Comilla Bibir Bazar land port presents a complex picture of anarchy, dynastic control and political influence. There is intense dissatisfaction among the ordinary workers as their interests are being neglected. If leadership is not formed through a democratic and transparent process, illegal workers are identified and political interference is stopped, the situation may become more complicated.
Appropriate intervention by the government, the Department of Labor, and law enforcement agencies is needed to protect the interests of workers. Otherwise, ordinary workers will continue to be exploited further in the name of AGM, labor setting, and labor management.
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