Touhid Hossain Sarkar:
Two labor unions formed at the land port— the Clearing and Forwarding Agents (Reg. No. Chittagong 2431) and the Workers Federation (Reg. No. Chattogram 24)—have recently sparked intense anger among laborers. Ordinary workers allege that the leadership of both organizations has become centralized among members of a particular family, which is creating a group of beneficiaries through nepotism, while ignoring the interests of workers.
Two organizations led by the same family
The current president of the Clearing and Forwarding Agents Organization is Said Ahmed Sujan, vice-president Fulmia, general secretary Kamal Hossain, assistant general secretary Arman, organizing secretary Kausar Hamid, and office secretary Mintu Mia. Allegedly, all of them are close relatives of the organization’s supervisor Abdur Rahim.
The influence of the same family is also evident in the Workers Federation. Ordinary workers say that the real needs of the workers are being ignored as the leadership of the two organizations is in the hands of the same family. There is a severe lack of transparency and effectiveness in the organization.
Demands and anger of ordinary workers
Ordinary workers say that this dynastic control has led to the failure of organizations to protect workers’ rights. One worker, who did not wish to be named, said,
“The port runs on our labor, but there is no development for us. All the facilities are limited to one family. Our demands are ignored.”
Another worker complained that control of port operations is being used solely for personal gain, depriving workers of their due rights.
Immoral influence and opportunism
The investigation revealed that their main goal is to influence port-related activities and gain economic benefits through leading the organization. Ordinary workers complain that the influential group has limited the port’s recruitment and activities to themselves, without giving opportunities to anyone outside the family.
The role of the authorities is questionable.
Workers have raised questions about the activities of the relevant authorities of the Comilla Department of Labor. Deputy Director of the Comilla Department of Labor, Moniruzzaman, said,
“If the allegations are proven true, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with labor laws.”
Preparations and demands of the movement
Ordinary workers are now preparing for a movement to bring transparency within the organization. They have demanded,
- Transparent elections: Ensuring the participation of qualified candidates outside the family in leadership selection.
- Impartial Investigation: An impartial investigation into port operations and leadership structure.
- Protecting workers’ rights: Ensuring equal opportunities for all workers.
Final comments
Workers’ participation and protection of their interests in port operations is very important. The control of two organizations by one family can be detrimental to workers in the long run. Urgent intervention by the government and relevant authorities is required to resolve the issue quickly.
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