Labor protests continue in Gazipur despite hike in wages of garment workers. Garment workers staged protests, vandalism and fire in Konabari and Zarun areas of Gazipur city on Wednesday (November 8) morning.
At that time, the police stopped the protesting workers. At one stage the workers threw bricks at the police and the police dispersed the workers by throwing rubber bullets, sound grenades and tear shells. At least 10 workers were injured and 1 female worker was killed in this incident. The injured were taken to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital and local clinic for first aid treatment.
The name of the deceased woman worker is Mosa. Anjuara Khatun. He was working as sewing machine operator of Islam Garments Unit-2 of Konabari Jarun area. His house is in Chargirish area of Kazipur in Sirajganj. The victim’s husband Jamal Hossain and brother Mustafa confirmed the matter.
However, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Khairul Alam said that the fact that the women workers were killed is not yet certain. However, he was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. It is not known whether he was trampled or otherwise injured.
According to the police, workers and local residents, garment factory workers have been protesting for a long time in different areas of Gazipur demanding salary increase. Then on Tuesday, the minimum wage of garment workers was fixed at Tk 12,500. But the workers are not satisfied with it.
As a result, workers started protesting in various areas including Konabari, Zarun and Baimile of Gazipur from Wednesday morning. At one point, workers blocked various roads and set fire to wood and tires. Besides, they tried to vandalize various vehicles.
Konabari police station OC Ashraf Uddin said, ‘The workers set fire to regional roads and created a blockade. Trying to vandalize. The workers were not allowed to descend on the highway. Later tear shells and sound grenades were fired to bring the situation under control. At present the situation is normal.’
