ছবি: Press Release
The Bangladesh Nationalist Boat Workers and Employees Association has raised alarm over the ongoing harassment of boat workers in Rupganj Thana, Narayanganj. According to the organization, notorious extortionist Anwar Hossain and his gang of 10–12 individuals have been terrorizing workers for 17 years, forcibly collecting BDT 20,000–30,000 from vessels operating on the rivers.
Despite the River Transport Policy–2024 granting vessel movement management to the Shipowners’ Association, a senior official reportedly allowed Anwar, a known criminal, to operate with written permission. Exploiting this, Anwar has been attacking, threatening, and intimidating boat workers. On 17 November 2025, workers on the vessel MV Sifat Amrin were reportedly beaten and threatened at gunpoint.
Complaints lodged with the Rupganj Thana and River Police have so far yielded no action, emboldening Anwar and increasing fear among the workforce. The organization warns that a network of criminals is deliberately destabilizing the river transport sector, causing unrest, worker dissatisfaction, and potential economic losses.
The association calls for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Police Headquarters, River Police, and the Department of Shipping. It demands the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of Anwar Hossain and his gang and urges proper measures to ensure the safety and security of boat workers.
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