Workers set fire to Tangail rickshaw union office in protest over fees

Angry workers set fire to the Tangail District Rickshaw Workers Union office on Tuesday afternoon, protesting increased admission fees and subscription charges.

The incident occurred at the labour office near Park Bazar in Tangail town, resulting in two motorcycles, furniture, and important documents being reduced to ashes.

Three union leaders were injured in the attack and arson.

The injured include Abdus Samad, a former vice-president of the District Rickshaw Workers Union, and members Salam and Rupchan.

Workers and locals reported that the admission fee had recently been raised from Tk1,000 to Tk1,560.

Additionally, workers who failed to pay their monthly Tk200 subscription were pressured to pay lump sums within 5–7 days. This fueled resentment among workers.

On Tuesday morning, workers protested against the fees by broadcasting announcements via a loudspeaker.

Union leaders reportedly detained and beat the man operating the loudspeaker. Angered by the assault, workers stormed the office, assaulted union leaders, and set the premises on fire. Fire service personnel later extinguished the flames.

Some workers, speaking anonymously, accused the union leaders of embezzling funds and providing minimal benefits, such as nominal death, marriage, and medical allowances.

"We don’t even know how much money is in the union fund. When we ask, leaders misbehave with us," one worker said.

Abdus Samad, one of the injured leaders, claimed: "They tied me up in the office and set it on fire. I managed to untie myself after half an hour, but I sustained burns. I demand exemplary punishment for the attackers."

Sihab, a current union member, said: "Workers announced they wouldn’t pay the fees. In response, their loudspeaker was seized. This led to the attack and arson."

Attempts to contact District Rickshaw Workers Union Convenor Hussain Bepari were unsuccessful.

Tangail Fire Service Deputy Director SM Humayun Kanael confirmed that the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.

"Furniture, documents, and motorcycles were destroyed, and one injured person was rescued and sent to Tangail General Hospital," he said.

Tangail Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) (Operations) Victor Banerjee said further action would be taken upon receiving a formal complaint.