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Download PDF At least 30 people including eight policemen were injured when garment workers clashed with the police at Dhaka Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Savar yesterday.
Witnesses said the workers of Aamra Apparel Ltd began demonstrations on the factory premises at around 10:00am after what later turned out to be rumours that the authorities had decided to axe around 100 workers as part of retrenchment.
They damaged at least 15 rooms with computers and other valuables, and confined administrative officials to a room on the 2nd floor of the factory building.
On information, Ashulia police rushed to the spot to free the factory officials from captivity. As they entered the premises the demonstrators tried in vain to resist them by spraying fire-extinguishing gas, police and witnesses said.
The law enforcers responded with baton charge that triggered a mad dash for the exit. Several workers were injured in the melee and police action.
Later, police chased away the agitating workers and foiled their attempt to barricade Dhaka-Tangail Road.
In retaliation, the workers hurled brickbats at police, leaving several policemen injured.
Vehicular movement on the road remained suspended for about half an hour due to chase and counter-chase.
Officer-in-Charge of Ashulia Police Station Kamrul Islam said seven to eight policemen suffered injuries during the clashes.
Three workers’ leaders–Monira Begum, Josna and Salmawere hauled in from the scene for quizzing.
Additional Superintendent of Police Nazmul Hussain told reporters that a case would be filed against those involved in the violence.
The factory officials said 93 workers were fired on April 5 on charge of disrupting operation of the factory. But those dismissed did not stage any demonstration as the authorities paid them all their dues and benefits as per the labour law.
They said they have no plan to go for further retrenchment. The officials suspect that someone from outside might have incited the workers to violence.
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