Jute mill workers, police clash in Ctg: One killed

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CHITTAGONG, Aug 09 (Agencies): A worker of Amin Jute Mills was killed and 72 people, including police and journalists, were injured during a clash between police and mill workers today (Thursday).
The dead was identified as Bashar, 45.
Witnesses said the clash occurred when the workers blockaded Chittagong-Hathazari road at Sholashahar for realising their dues.
Local sources said about 2,500 workers and 300 officials and employees of the mill barricaded the road at about 9.0am demanding payment of their dues. They said the mill authorities did not pay the wages and salaries of the workers and other staff for 11 months.
Police went to the spot at about 10am and charged batons on the agitating workers, triggering a violent clash that left many workers injured.
The critically injured were rushed to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital where Bashar died of head wounds.
The injured include three journalists and eight policemen.
Manager (admin) of Amin Jute Mills said they offered to pay two weeks' wages and salary this morning, but the workers did not agree.
But the workers said the mill authorities at the end of last month had agreed to pay five weeks' wages, but later they reneged on that promise.
Police arrested 20 people in connection with the clash.
Panchlaish zone assistant police commissioner Mizanur Rahman said their action came after the workers put up a barricade on the road and started throwing stones at them.
Police sub-inspector Zahir Ahmed, who was on duty at the police check post on the Chittagong Medical College Hospital premises, confirmed newsmen that one worker died after he was rushed to the hospital.
It was not clear immediately how he was injured during the violence.
Abdul Khaleque, a former trade union leader of the mill, said the situation turned violent after the news of the worker's death spread fast.
Khaleque said police fiercely charged batons and fired teargas to bring the situation under control.
The violence continued until 1:45 pm.