Despite various initiatives and assurance from the government and the apparel trade-body leaders, ready-made garment (RMG) workers continued their agitation on Sunday for eliminating inequality in the latest wage structure for the industry.
On the day, workers of different garment factories demonstrated in several industrials hubs, including Ashulia and Savar, for seventh consecutive day.
Subsequently, at least a dozen of people got hurt during multiple clashes between the raged workers and the members of law-enforcement agencies.
At around 8:30 am, workers of a number of factories tried to block Dhaka-Tangail Highway, especially at Jamgora and Narsinghapur points of Ashulia.
But police dispersed the workers from the road after one hour by charging batons, throwing teargas canisters and using water cannons.
Dhaka Industrial Police-1 director Sana Shaminur Rahman told the media: "We disbanded the workers by firing teargas shells and using water cannons, as they blocked at least 10 points of the highway."
Policemen also informed that at least 50 garment factories in Ashulia were closed in the morning due to the workers' agitation.
Meanwhile, the leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on the day threatened to shut all garment factories for an indefinite period unless the agitating workers join their respective workplaces from today (Monday).
BGMEA President Md Siddiqur Rahman gave the ultimatum at a press briefing at its headquarters in the capital.
"If you (workers) do not work, you will get no wages. No work, no pay. The factories will remain closed for an indefinite period in line with the provision 13(1) of Labour Law."
The BGMEA president also urged the protesting workers to return to their factories and resume production.
In last one week, hundreds of people got hurt during the agitation among garment workers, members of law-enforcement agencies and general people.
On last Tuesday (January 8), Suman Mia, 22, a worker of Anlima Textiles, died during a clash between workers and police near Hemayetpur.
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