Rangamati, Oct 18 (V7N) – Police and Fire Service divers have recovered the body of a young fishing worker from Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, with stones allegedly tied to it. Police have detained the owner of the fishing boat where the youth worked in connection with the incident.

The body of Arafat, aged around 18 or 19, was recovered on Saturday, October 17, from the Jorotila area of Shubhalong Union in Barkal upazila. He had been missing since the night of October 13.

Police detained Shafik, the owner of the fishing boat, as a suspect. He was reportedly detained in the Mahalachhari area of Longadu upazila following information about the incident.

Arafat worked as a labourer on the boat, helping to pull keski fishing nets. His permanent address could not immediately be confirmed.

After recovering the body, authorities sent it to Rangamati General Hospital for an autopsy. Rangamati Superintendent of Police Mohammad Abdur Rakib confirmed the detention and said arrangements were being made for the post-mortem examination.

Allegations of Abuse of Fishing Workers

The incident has renewed concerns over allegations of exploitation and abuse of fishing workers operating in different parts of Kaptai Lake, including Kattali Beel, Barkal and Longadu.

According to local allegations, workers from economically disadvantaged families are sometimes recruited with promises of higher wages and brought to the lake to work on fishing boats. Some are allegedly transferred or sold to boat owners or fishing teams, while others reportedly do not receive the wages they were promised.

Workers who ask for their earnings or seek permission to return home are allegedly subjected to intimidation, physical abuse or confinement. Some are also said to be forced to continue working for extended periods in exchange for food, without receiving the agreed wages.

These allegations have raised questions about the safety and working conditions of labourers employed in the lake’s fishing industry. However, the claims require further investigation by the relevant authorities.

Police have not yet publicly established a motive for Arafat’s death or confirmed whether the broader allegations of labour exploitation are connected to the case.

The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the young worker’s death and whether others were involved.

END/AMR/SMA/