Workers Injured in Clashes at Payra Thermal Power Plant
A clash erupted near the Payra thermal power plant leaving 12 workers injured following protests over labor union inclusion. Local authorities have stated that legal action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint.
A violent confrontation broke out on the afternoon of August 25, 2026, near the jetty area of Bottola Bazar at the Payra thermal power plant, located in Kalapara, Patuakhali. The unrest stemmed from an ongoing movement by workers who were demanding that the Patuakhali Watercraft Workers Union be officially included in the loading and unloading operations of cargo vessels at the 1,320-megawatt power generation facility.
According to the verified accounts from the location, the situation escalated into a direct clash where workers were subjected to an assault allegedly carried out by leaders and activists associated with Jubadal, specifically involving members of the Dhankhali Union Jubadal faction. The victims of this violent outbreak have been identified as Reazul Payda, Hiron Payda, Imam Payda, Khokon, and Hasan, alongside several of their colleagues who found themselves caught in the middle of the unrest.
The physical confrontation resulted in severe injuries to a total of 12 workers. Immediately following the incident, the wounded individuals were transported from the Bottola Bazar area to the Kalapara Hospital, where they are currently undergoing medical treatment for their injuries sustained during the clashes over the cargo handling dispute.
Addressing the allegations directed at local political figures, Tapan Mridha responded to the claims regarding his involvement in the violence. Defending his position, Tapan Mridha stated, 'Administration personnel were at the scene. If they say I was involved in the beating, then I am a guilty person. I went there after hearing about the incident following the beatings. I do not know who fought with whom.'
In the wake of the violence at the 1,320-megawatt Payra thermal power facility, law enforcement authorities have initiated a response. Officer-in-Charge Nazrul Islam of the Kalapara Police Station commented on the potential for an official investigation into the matter, stating clearly, 'Legal action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint regarding this incident.'
