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Garment worker killed in clash

Almost all factories operational


FE REPORT | September 18, 2024 00:00:00


A female garment worker was killed and some others were injured in a clash between two groups of workers at Zirabo in Ashulia area on the outskirts of the capital on Tuesday.

At least three other workers were injured in the clash, according to industrial police.

Workers claimed that 15 to 20 workers were injured in the clash.

Almost all ready-made garment factories in Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur industrial belts remained operational on the day, sources said.

When asked, superintendent of Industrial Police Nurani Ferdous Disha said that the deceased worker was Rokeya Begum who worked as an assistant sewing machine operator at Mascot Garments.

She said Mascot Garments had been closed under labour law provision of 13(1) since August 12 while factory authorities announced layoff on Tuesday.

In the morning, Mascot workers gathered at the gate of the closed factory and later they escalated the situation by attacking the neighbouring Southern and Radiance Garments around 8.40am.

A clash erupted between workers of Southern, Radiance and Mascot Garments, Ms Disha said, adding that Rokeya was seriously injured in the clash and was rushed to local hospital where she died.

On the other hand, workers from several factories in Gazipur staged demonstrations and blocked Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Tongi of Gazipur in the morning, demanding payment of their due wages and others.

Later, the protesters were dispersed by law enforcers and factories' management discussed the issue with their workers.

According to the Industrial Police, production at some 29 RMG factories in Ashulia and Gazipur were closed on Tuesday.

Of these, 16 factories, including one in Gazipur, were closed under Section 13 (1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, three factories announced lay-offs, and one declared a general holiday.

Two factories announced general holiday while workers in the rest eight-each four in Ashulia and Gazipur joined their respective factories in the morning but left without working.

According to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), workers of 12 garment factories left units after lunch.

Of the 12 factories, 10 are located in Ashulia that included Knit Asia, Sharmin and Hameem while the rest two are in Gazipur industrial belt.

Some 122 RMG units are yet to pay wages for August, according to the trade body.

munni_fe@yahoo.com


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