The Dockyard industry in Khulna has collapsed in Khulna as around 2,000 specialists of 44 private dockyards are confronting monetary misfortune because of absence of work while the dockyard proprietors are experiencing the disturbance of hoodlums, coercion and consistent load-shedding.
Those concerned admit that the dockyards have not seen such a discouraging picture lately. Meanwhile, the representatives of numerous associations have been conserved because of absence of work.
At least 44 private dockyards span between Gemini Sea Food to Ghat number 7 region on the two sides of Atharobanki River in Khulna. Different vessels including ships, dispatches, freight, seatracks, barges, liners are constructed, fixed and modernized in these dockyards.
As of now, because of diminished import of compost and coal at Mongla port, the transportation of merchandise has diminished. Because of business downturn many individuals are not keen on utilizing and fixing boats. Subsequently, there is a vacuum in the dockyards.
Khulna Dockyard Owners Association General Secretary Belayet Hossain said that the greater part of the boat proprietors in Khulna were businessmen linked to Awami League. Large numbers of them are on the run because of the changed circumstance in the country. Their boats are not being used and are not in need of any repairs.
Telling about not having the option to pay the last month's salary to the officials and representatives of his association, he expressed that because of absence of work, even the dockyard proprietors can't make due in this area. A worker needs to pay up to 700-1000 Taka each day. Assuming there is no work, where will the cash come from.
In the meantime, since the political shift in the country because of the mass uprising of the students, different dockyards in Ramnagar and Rahimnagar of Rupsha facing extortions and theft.
(Translated by Mazdud)
