Cargo handling suspended at Mongla port as workers strike

Cargo handling at Mongla Port remained suspended from 8.00am yesterday due to work stoppage by workers of inland water transports (IWT).
As a result, 8184 metric tons of urea fertiliser imported by Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation from China could not be unloaded from the Korean flag bearer MV Doc Chun.
The shipping agent said it would have to pay demurrage of Tk 15 lakh a day due to suspension of unloading operation.
Proprietor of Khulna Traders Syed Zahid Hossain said the IWT workers have stopped their work in protest against non-payment of extra financial benefits as committed by the owners at a tripartite meeting of IWTA, Workers' Federation and Ministry of Labour on July 12.
Port users have appealed to the authorities concerned to resolve the crisis without any further delay for the greater interest of Mongla Port.