Design to destroy ongoing development

A vested quarter is allegedly trying to create panic among the foreigners working in Bangladesh. As part of their conspiracy, the anti-state elements in guise of workers, have carried out deadly attack on some Chinse nationals working at a power plant in Patuakhali's Kalapara upazila on Tuesday noon. This sort of incident is deemed by political analysts as a ploy to damage the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China and halt the country’s ongoing development.

As of filing this story at 8:00pm Wednesday, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid Bipu was on the spot. He was holding meetings one after another to bring normalcy in the area. Additional security forces have been deployed to protect the foreigners and others. The RAB teams are also patrolling in the area to avert any untoward situation.

Three separate committees have been formed to probe into the incident. The separate probe panels have been formed by the district administration, police administration and the Payra Port Authority. Conscious citizens suspect that the latest attack was aimed at destroying the long-standing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China.

The latest incident is also feared to have negative impact on foreign investment in the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working restlessly to boost up foreign investment in the country for rapid growth of the economy. Most of the developed country including China and their businessmen are coming to set up their industries being attracted by the pro-investment policy adopted by the current government.

Immediately after the formation of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, some evil forces started hatching conspiracy to halt the development works. Despite their efforts, foreigners have kept coming here with their billion-dollar investment proposals. China is also financing many mega projects in Bangladesh. But the evil forces have not given up, but they are continuing their ill-efforts to hold back the pace of the country’s ongoing development.

Local sources said a Chinese national was killed in a clash between so-called workers at a power plant in Patuakhali's Kalapara Upazila on Tuesday noon. Kalapara Police OC Monirul Islam said seven others were injured in the fight between Chinese and Bangladeshi workers at the 1320-MW thermal power plant. The incident was sparked by the death of Swabindra Das, 32, a Bangladeshi worker who lost his life after falling from the plant’s terrace, according to law enforcers.

Police later rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Eight people were injured in the incident and had been taken to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College in Barishal. Of them, a 26-year-old Chinese national, Jang Yang Fhang, died during treatment, said Bakir Hossain, director of the hospital. "Six Chinese nationals were taken to the hospital around 2am on Wednesday. Later, two Bangladeshis were also admitted. All of them are workers of the under-construction power plant," he said.

"Jang had a deep cut on his head and he died from excessive bleeding in the early hours of the morning." Leau Si, project manager of the power plant said the four other injured Chinese nationals were being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. However, another credible sources told this correspondent hat five Chinse nationals were admitted in Apollo Hospital in the capital.

Swabindra Das, 32, died on the spot after falling off the terrace, according to the workers. Rumours subsequently spread that a Chinese worker has pushed him off the terrace, leading to the violent confrontation between the two groups. On the other hand, the Chinese nationals denied the allegation and claimed that Swabindra died due to his own negligence.

As tensions simmered, local workers brought out a procession carrying the body of Swabindra. Police later recovered the body and sent it to a hospital for a post-mortem examination.  'The situation is under control now. Additional police have also been deployed to avoid further clashes," OC Monirul said.