New cargo handling system at Mongla turning ineffective
The new system for gang booking at Mongla port directly by stevedores, introduced on August 1 to improve cargo handling, is turning ineffective, inviting problem for Mongla Port Authority (MPA).
Allegations are being made now that stevedores, are not following ethics in appointing dock workers for gang booking, mainly to serve their self-interest.
Mahabubur Rahman Mani, joint secretary of Mongla Bandar Sramik Sangha, alleged that most of the dock workers appointed by stevedores have criminal records. They had gone into hiding after declaration of emergency to avoid arrest.
“We have already submitted petitions to MPA chairman and other authorities to take action against stevedores who are appointing criminals as leaders of gang booking under the new system”, said Md. Shahabuddin Ahmed, general secretary of Mongla Bandar Sramik Sangha.
He accused two stevedores-- Syed Zahid Hossain and Syed Ali Tusharfor 'inviting trouble' for the port by recalling former corrupt leaders of now abolished Dock Workers Management Board for appointing them as gang booking leaders.
All the thirty gang booking leaders appointed since August 1 by stevedores Syed Zahid Hossain are 'hardened criminals listed with Bagerhat district police'. Some of them are still closely linked with an underground organisation and some others are in possession of illegal arms, Shahabuddin claimed. But MPA is yet to take action against appointment of criminals by the two stevedores, he said.
When asked, Syed Zahid, who is general secretary of Mongla Port Stevedores Association denied the allegation and said the list of thirty gang booking leaders would be properly checked and rechecked for final selection. Some vested quarters are again trying to vitiate the present peaceful atmosphere at Mongla port which they also did in the past to serve their ill motive, he claimed.
Asked, MPA Member (operation) Lutfor Rahman said allegations made by leaders of Sramik Sangha would be taken up seriously for checking and rechecking after holding a meeting with leaders of Stevedores' Association. Action would be taken if allegations are proved true, he told this correspondent.
The new system for gang booking was introduced on August 1 by abolishing the Dock Workers Management Board.
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