Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Daily labourers and workers today demanded that potato sacks stored in cold storages be limited to 50 kilograms to ensure safe and manageable handling during loading and unloading.

They said the weight of potato sacks should not exceed 50kg, as heavier loads pose serious health risks to workers.

The demand was raised through a memorandum submission, a press conference and a human chain held in the district today.

Leaders of the daily workers' union submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter. Later, they held a press conference at their office at Baya Bazar under Paba upazila and formed a human chain in front of the office.

General Secretary of the union Mortuza Ahmed, Organising Secretary Mukul Hossain and Joint Vice-presidents Selim Uddin and Shariful Islam, among others, spoke at the press conference.

Mortuza Ahmed alleged that potato sacks weighing between 70 and 80 kilograms are being used at various cold storages, forcing workers to carry excessive loads.

As a result, he said, workers are increasingly suffering from waist pain, knee complications and spinal problems, while many are losing their ability to work at an early age.

He also said daily labourers depend solely on their wages, and falling ill due to carrying heavy sacks makes it difficult for them to afford medical treatment.

Other union leaders, including Selim Uddin and Shariful Islam, said cold storage owners were compelling workers to carry excessive weights in violation of labour laws and basic human rights.

They urged the authorities to take immediate steps to enforce the 50kg sack limit to protect workers' health and livelihoods.