Police-garment workers clashes leave 40 hurt

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GAZIPUR, Aug 30 (UNB): Around 40 people, including two cops, were injured in violent police-workers clashes here Saturday following the sacking of some garment workers and rumour of death of another.

At least 20 people were injured in a clash at Konabari under Sadar Uapzila, where the police had to fire teargas shells and over a hundred rounds of gunshots to bring the situation under control, witnesses said.

The police said the workers of Standard Garments observed work abstention and held demonstration in front of their factory at noon against the retrenchment of their colleagues. Eighteen workers of the factory were sacked Friday.

A fierce fighting ensued as the garment workers barricaded the Gazipur-Tangail Road and the police resisted them from halting traffic.

The police, army and RAB troops were later deployed in the area to fend off further flare-ups.

The injured policemen were identified as constables Iazur and Rony. The injured people were given treatment at a local clinic.

Meanwhile, the workers of Diganta Sweater factory in Naujor area of the upazila went on rampage in the afternoon following rumours over the death of one of their colleagues in the factory bathroom.

On the other hand, about 50 garment workers were injured in police beating at Savar as the workers took to street demanding their salaries and other dues Saturday in what looked like chain actions.

The law-enforcers went into action as the workers of four garment factories, owned by Biswas Group, at Rajphulbaria blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway.