DEPZ factory closed over labour unrest

Authorities of the German garments factory Paddocks Jeans Limited, located in the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), has shut down the unit for an indefinite period following labour unrest, reports bdnews24.com.
The organisation's administrative employee Mazharul Haque said that after two days of labour unrest, the authority put up the shut-down notice at the main gate on Monday night.
Director of the Industrial Police-1 Mostafizur Rahman said the labourers contribute money from their salary every month for a contingency fund to support their sick colleagues.
During the collection of the money last Sunday disputes cropped up. The workers held demonstrations next day over the disputes.
During the protests, a rumour that a labourer was injured after being stabbed by someone from the proprietor's group spread.
The rumour led the workers to vandalise the factory's furniture, windows and doors. At least 10 workers were injured in the incident. Later the authorities closed the factory for the day, said Mostafizur Rahman.
The labourers resumed protest after seeing the closure notice in front of the gate but the industrial police removed them from the area.
Mostafizur Rahman said the factory would reopen once things return to normal.