At least 12 members of the district water transport workers’ union were injured in an alleged attack on protesting workers near the 1,320MW Payra Thermal Power Plant in Kalapara, Patuakhali. The incident occurred around 5pm Tuesday at Bottola Bazar, adjacent to the plant’s jetty. Five workers, including Rezaul Pyada, Hiron Pyada, Imam Pyada, Khokon and Hasan, were admitted to Kalapara উপজেলা Health Complex in serious condition.

The workers said they had held a protest and sit-in from 11am, demanding that members of the government-registered water transport workers’ union be included in ship cargo operations at the power plant. They said police mediated a temporary suspension of the programme around 3pm, while several workers remained in the Bottola Bazar area.

According to the injured workers, 7 to 8 people carrying sticks attacked them around 5pm under the leadership of Dhanikhali Union Jubo Dal president Md Kuddus Mridha Tapan. Tapan denied the allegation, saying he would be guilty if administration personnel present at the site said he was involved. Kalapara police chief Md Nazrul Islam said legal action would follow an investigation if a written complaint is filed.