10 factories closed
Readymade garment workers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and vandalised fifty vehicles following a rumour about the death of one of their fellows in a road accident in the Mill Gate area of Tongi Saturday morning. Witnesses said Sharmin Akter, 30, a worker of Top to Bottom Garments Factory, was severely injured as a BRTC bus hit her in the area while crossing the road.
The victim was rushed to Tongi Hospital and then shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in a critical condition.
As rumours about her death spread in the area, workers came out of different factories and blocked the highway and vandalised at least 50 vehicles.
The police rushed to the spot and tried to take the situation under control, but the angry mob attacked them, the police said.
Later, the police brought the situation under control firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets, they added.
Traffic on the highway resumed at about 10:00am.
At least 10 garment workers were also injured in a clash with police. The injured were sent to local clinics and hospitals.
Additional police were deployed in the area to fend off untoward incidents.
-With New Age input
