Benapole land port worker dies after workplace accident in Dhaka

A Benapole Land Port worker died in a Dhaka hospital after suffering critical injuries while unloading imported goods.

Robiul Hossain died at about 3 a.m. while receiving treatment at a private hospital, port authorities confirmed. A heavy bale of paper fell on him on Wednesday afternoon at shed 23. After initial treatment in Sharsha and Jashore, doctors referred him to Dhaka as his condition worsened.

Another worker, 50-year-old Aktarul Islam, remains in critical condition in Jashore. He suffered chest injuries on September 1 when a heavy component slipped from a forklift and fell on him while he loaded a large roll of film onto a truck at shed 9.

Co-workers rescued Islam and took him first to Sharsha Upazila Health Complex, then to Jashore General Hospital, where he remains in the male surgery ward. Benapole Land Port Deputy Director Ruhul Amin confirmed both accidents.

The Benapole Land Port Handling Workers’ Union said its leaders went to the accident sites, helped rescue the injured workers and monitored their treatment. Workers' leaders also said the port lacks a hospital and adequate emergency medical facilities. Injured workers must travel about 30 kilometres to hospitals in Jashore, creating delays in treatment.

Ruhul Amin expressed grief over the death and injury. He urged workers to act cautiously and said arrangements were being made through a new contractor to provide safety equipment and higher-quality cranes and forklifts.