Angry workers set fire to the labor office in Tangail

A fire broke out at the workers' office in Tangail in protest against charging extra fees and admission fees from rickshaw pullers.

Angry workers attacked, vandalized and set fire to the district rickshaw workers' office on Tuesday (November 19) at noon. Some labor leaders were injured. At that time, the workers burnt three motorcycles, furniture and important papers in the office. The injured are Abdus Samad, former vice president of District Rickshaw Workers Union, Salam and Rupchan, former members.

Workers and locals said that earlier the admission fee was Tk 1000 which has now been increased to Tk 1560. In addition to this, the leaders of the association gave a period of five to seven days to the workers who did not enroll with a monthly subscription of 200 taka, including a monthly subscription of 10 taka, which caused anger among the common workers. This morning, ordinary workers started miking for non-payment of subscriptions and admission fees. At this time, the leaders detained and beat Mike Man and released him. At one stage the workers attacked the office, beat the leaders and set fire to the news of the beating.

The rickshaw pullers complained that recently the nominal convening committee looted the subscription money. Workers are given only death bonus, marriage allowance and nominal medical allowance. We also do not know the total amount of subscriptions and admission fees deposited in the association. Leaders misbehave when asked. Because of these reasons, the angry workers have caused this incident.

Abdus Samad, the former vice-president of the association said, I was tied up and set on fire in the office. After about half an hour I untied and came out. Various parts of my body were burnt in the fire.

Sihab, a current member of the Rickshaw Workers Union, said that ordinary workers were miking because they would not pay the subscription and admission fee. At this time, their mic was seized. Out of anger, the workers beat and set fire to the leaders.

Fire Service Deputy Director SM Humayun Kanayel said that the fire was brought under control after half an hour. Three motorcycles in the office along with some furniture and papers were burnt. At this time, a burnt person was rescued. Later he was sent to Tangail General Hospital.

Inspector (Operation) of Tangail Police Station Victor Banerjee said, a burnt person was rescued from the spot and sent to the hospital. Further action will be taken based on the complaint.