news in brief
Coal mine workers indefinite strike continues for 15th day
Dinajpur: The workers and staff of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company continued their indefinite strike for the 15th consecutive day on Sunday in order to press home their 13-point demand, which includes the payment of nine months of arrears, reports UNB.
Although at least 1,041 workers started work assentation from May 13 they have started blockade program from Wednesday as their demands were not meet and no action was taken yet.
Taking position in front of the mine office, the agitated workers barred the officials to enter into the office.
On Saturday, three members of the prove-body made by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources meet the mine worker as well as the villagers and discussed about their demands.
A decision in this regard will be taken once the report on the discussion will be submitted to the ministry, said one of the members of a probe body.
Workers leaders said they gave an ultimatum to the authorities on April 26 and proceeded with the strike as the authorities paid no heed to their demand.
Expressing solidarity with the workers demand, the people of 20 villages who were affected due to the mining also placed their six-point demands to the probe body.
The strike will be continued until their demands are met, said the workers.
The 13-point demands also include permanent employment of outsourced workers as per the company organogram, introduction of profit bonus, introduction of gratuity bonuses, a reduced 6-hour working shift for underground workers, rehabilitation of families whose homes were damaged due to mine operations, compensation for family members in the form of employment in the mining company etc.
Two workers die after inhaling poisonous gas in Khagrachhari
Khagrachhari: Two workers died after inhaling poisonous gas while clearing septic tank in an under-construction hatchery at Shanirbhar area in Sadar upazila yesterday morning, reports UNB.
The deceased were identified as Rafiqul Islam and Ramjan Ali, residents of Betchhari in Dighinala upazila.
At first, Rafiqul got down in a septic tank to clean it. Then Ramjan got down hearing no response from Rafiqul, said affected worker Saiful Islam.
At one stage, both fell sick inhaling the poisonous gas of the tank while cleaning it around 11:30 pm.
Later, other workers rushed to the scene and took the three to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, where duty doctor declared them dead.
It is assumed that the two workers died inhaling poisonous gas from the septic tank, said doctors of the hospital.
Director of Development and Extension of Chittagong Hill Tracts Fisheries Project (deputy secretary) Rahman said he was in a meeting. Being informed, he rushed to the hospital and found them dead.
OC withdrawn for irregularities
Naogaon: The officer-in-charge of Niamatpur Police Station was withdrawn to the district police lines following various allegations of irregularities, reports UNB.
Iqbal Hossain, superintendent of Naogaon Police, said several allegations including taking bribe openly from alleged drug peddlers with a promise to not take action against them, torturing people after failing to realise bribe money and proposing to a female constable with ill motives were found against the OC who joined the office on March 16.
Eight Union Parishad Chairmen including Niamatpur Upazila Chairman submitted a written complaint to the higher authorities concerned seeking removal of the OC on May 20, which drew flak on the administration.
A probe committee headed by Naogaon Additional Superintendent of police was formed to investigate the incident.
The probe committee submitted its report on May 24 and as per the recommendation of the committee the OC was withdrawn to the police lines.
