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Benapole worker leader ‘embezzles’ Tk 1.2cr


Published : 05 May 2020 10:05 PM | Updated : 05 Sep 2020 09:27 AM

Allegation of embezzling Tk 1.2 crore has been raised against a worker leader of the Benapole land port.
Nakimuddin Mollah, a leader of Benapole Port Workers' Union 891, had been receiving a portion of workers’ daily wages and bonuses from the goods loading-unloading sector at the port's crane side, Kalimuddin, president of the Union, told the Bangladesh Post.

He had been depositing the money for the last 10 years totaling an amount of Tk 1.2 crore, the president added.
According to Kalimuddin, the Union has as many as 814 workers enlisted in it.

Since the coronavirus broke out in the country, worker were left out of their job, said Kalimuddin adding, the Union hold an emergency meeting and decided to return the money to the workers.

As decided, the Union then asked Nakimuddin to release money, which he delayed, enraging the workers, the president said.
Angered over the delay, several hundred workers blocked the main road for three hours On Tuesday, halting the loading, unloading of goods.

They brought out a procession at the port's gate no 5, demanding the return of their money.
In face of the workers demonstration, Nakimuddin signed a bond promising to give the money within fifteen days before the protesters return to their work, the president said.Nakimuddin, however, admitted having the money in his possession but denied the allegation of embezzlement.

“What the workers say is not true. Port workers signed the stamp,” he said
Benapole Port Director Mamun Khan Torafder said it’s an internal matter of the Union.
“However, all activities of the port including goods loading, unloading and delivery remains normal,”
he said.