Six-Day Strike Ends At Mongla Port

Mongla port workers ended a six-day strike on Thursday after being assured authorities would investigate the deaths of four people and the wounding of 100 others from police firing during the demonstration.

"Workers resumed handling of cargo today after they were given assurances that an official probe will be conducted into the violent incident that led to the killing of the workers," a port official said.

He said State Minister for Shipping and Ports, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, had given the assurance at a meeting with port union leaders on Wednesday.

Police on Tuesday opened fire when about 2,000 workers, striking since Friday to demand the port employ more casual workers, tried to storm port offices.

The officials said paramilitary troops and police were on alert on Thursday to prevent any further violence in the port area and that 20 ships had been stranded during the strike.

Bangladesh's main Chittagong port handles 80 percent of the country's trade, while Mongla handles the rest.