Worker's death sparks protest in Gazipur

GAZIPUR, Mar 03 (UNB): Workers of a garment factory in Bhogra Bypass area in Gazipur staged protests on Monday morning alleging that a fellow worker died after being denied leave despite falling sick.

Witnesses said workers of Panorama Garments took to the streets in the morning following the alleged death of a female worker on Sunday.

At one stage, they torched several motorbikes and a private car, disrupting traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.

Workers claimed the factory authorities refused to grant her leave despite her deteriorating health, which led to her death. They also accused the authorities of keeping the body in their custody.

Iqbal Hasan, station master of Bhogra Modern Fire Service, said several motorbikes and a private car were set on fire during the protest.

Firefighters from the Bhogra Modern Fire Service with the assistance of law enforcement personnel extinguished the blaze.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police Ashok Kumar Pal said they are yet to be confirmed about the worker's death.

Traffic movement on the highway resumed at around 10:15 am after law enforcers dispersed the protesters.