A shocking tale of slavery

We are appalled to hear the news of eight workers having been forcibly confined to a small room at a brickfield in Khulna. That this could have happened in a part of Khulna city that too near a police station sends worrying signals across. This might be taking place in remoter locations.
The inhuman tale of torture came to light as local journalists, presumably on a tip-off, visited the spot. The victims aged between 55 and as young as 18 were entrapped through a deal between the owner of a brickfield and a labour leader. The labour leader had taken an advance of Tk 4 lakh from the owner to supply him with workers. What makes one sit up and take note are two horrific facts; first, the men were allegedly confined as they were not working 'as per agreement'. What that agreement was about is unknown, but how could they be detained in a chilly dark room against their wishes for five days? They were held hostage just because somebody had taken Tk 4 lakh in advance in lieu of supplying workers and did not return the money to the management.
Equally, if not more reprehensible is the revelation of the proprietor being a local Awami League leader and former chairman of Phultala upazila. When a public representative turns out to be as cruel as that with no social commitment whatsoever he at once forfeits its credentials. It is surprising, why should the local police have been so oblivious of the surroundings as to overlook such an infringement of human rights in the locality.
The whole incident merits scooping investigation to fix responsibility for this barbaric act and bring those found guilty to book. The victims should also be compensated.