EPZ in Dhaka
50 hurt as RMG workers clash
At least 50 people, including 15 women workers, were injured yesterday in a clash between workers of a garment factory at Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) and law enforcers over alleged extended working hours at the factory.
The incident occurred at Actor Sports Ltd as the workers started demonstrating against compelling them to work on Fridays.
Ansar personnel deployed at the DEPZ charged batons on the agitating workers. Some ansar men and factory officials were also hurt in the hour-long clash that started around 9:00am, stated police sources.
Some furniture and window panes of the garment unit were also damaged during the clash.
Reaching the spot police team entered the factory compound and clubbed the protesting workers to disperse them, eyewitnesses said.
Talking to The Daily Star, senior official of the factory denied the complaints, adding that the factory remains closed on Fridays.
The authorities were trying to find out the reasons behind the unrest, added the official.
Workers alleged that the authorities also forced them to work nearly two hours more as the factory management is going to implement the new wage structure from this month.
Rafiqul Islam, joint secretary (labour) of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA), said they did not receive any complaint about non-payment of extra duty hours. They suspect certain quarter is behind the unrest.
Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Ashulia Police Station, said none was arrested in connection with the incident and no case was filed till 8:00pm.
