Law enforcement has revealed chilling details of a mass killing aboard the cargo ship MV Al Bakhera. Irfan Mandal, a crew member, admitted to murdering seven people on the ship, including its master Golam Kibria. The killings were reportedly driven by a deep-seated resentment over unpaid wages and persistent harassment.

According to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Irfan stated during interrogation that the ship’s master, Golam Kibria, had not paid salaries for the past eight months. He also accused Kibria of repeatedly mistreating him and other crew members. These factors allegedly pushed Irfan to commit the murders.

The incident began when Irfan went ashore to a market in Pabna, where he purchased three blister packs of sleeping pills. RAB investigators disclosed that Irfan mixed the sleeping pills into the food served to the crew, rendering them unconscious. Using a Chinese axe that was already aboard the vessel as part of its safety equipment, he systematically killed everyone onboard.

RAB stated that Irfan wore gloves during the attack to avoid leaving evidence. After ensuring that each victim was dead, Irfan navigated the ship to an area near Haimchar and escaped using a separate boat.

Among the victims were Golam Kibria, the ship’s master; Sajibul Islam, a greaser; Mazedul Islam, a sailor; Sheikh Sabuj, Aminur Munshi, the ship’s engineer Salauddin, and cook Rana Kazi. Another crew member, identified as Jewel, survived the attack but sustained serious injuries.

During the investigation, RAB learned that the killings began with the murder of Golam Kibria. Irfan claimed that when other crew members witnessed the attack, he killed them to eliminate potential witnesses.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with debates surrounding labor conditions for maritime workers. Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation to gather further evidence and piece together the sequence of events leading to this gruesome tragedy.

Irfan has been taken into custody and awaits further legal proceedings. The incident has also raised questions about the enforcement of labor rights and worker safety aboard cargo vessels, with calls for stricter oversight in the maritime industry.