In response to the recent killing of seven staff members aboard the cargo vessel MV Al Bakhera, maritime workers have announced an indefinite strike starting from midnight on Thursday. The decision was confirmed by Mohammad Shah Alam, President of the Bangladesh Water Transport Workers’ Federation, during a phone conversation earlier in the day.

Shah Alam highlighted the brutal nature of the attack allegedly carried out by Akash Mondal, also known as Irfan, from Bagerhat's Mulghar Purbo Union. Irfan reportedly killed eight crew members of the vessel with calculated precision and then operated the large vessel on his own. According to Shah Alam, it seems unlikely that such an act could have been committed by one individual alone. The federation is demanding a thorough government investigation to uncover the truth and identify any accomplices involved in the incident.

The workers are also calling for increased safety measures for the country’s 10,000 small cargo vessels and their workforce of over 100,000. They have demanded compensation of BDT 2 million for each victim's family. Shah Alam stated that until these demands are met, the strike will continue, effectively halting the operation of goods-carrying vessels across the country.

Meanwhile, Akash Mondal, who has been arrested in connection with the case, remains in police custody. According to Chandpur River Police Assistant Superintendent Imtiaz Ahmed, Mondal was remanded for seven days to facilitate further investigation. Authorities are working to extract detailed information regarding the motive and circumstances surrounding the killings.

Reports indicate that Mondal converted to Islam a year ago and joined the vessel as a helmsman eight months ago, securing the position through Golam Kibria, one of the victims and the ship’s master. Vessel owner Mahbub Morshed confirmed that Kibria and engine driver Salauddin Molla were directly hired by him, while the other crew members joined through Kibria.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of passengers and workers along Chandpur's river routes. Local ferry passengers and transport workers have expressed apprehension, citing a lack of adequate security measures following the incident. However, Chandpur River Police Superintendent Syed Mushfiqur Rahman dismissed these concerns, describing the murders as a personal vendetta. He reassured the public that river routes are secure and that both the river police and the coast guard remain vigilant to ensure safety.

As investigations continue, the maritime community awaits answers regarding the tragic event while urging the authorities to ensure justice and improve security for workers and passengers alike.