6 RMG factories attacked; chase-counter chase takes place; 10 tear gas shells lobbed, 20 rubber bullets fired
Angry workers in Ashulia staged rowdy protest for nearly 45 minutes on Dhaka-EPZ highway as RMG and leather workers attacked several factories in Jamgara on Sunday morning.
The marauding workers were also locked in chase and counter-chase with police on the highway, forcing the law enforcers to lob 10 rounds of tear gas shells and fire at least 20 rounds of rubber bullets.
The law enforcers also charged batons on the workers to disperse the attacking group.
During the demonstration, Mitu, a staff of MD Jeans, fell unconscious.
The demonstration erupted around 10:45am when the workers of Picard Bangladesh Ltd, a leather factory which came under attack on Saturday, came out of their factory and attacked the adjoining ones.
Later, 101 suspended workers of Hyun Apparels Ltd joined them, worsening the situation.
The road communications in Jamgara area on the highway remained suspended due to the agitation.
The workers threw brick chips at the factories damaging windowpanes.
Following the agitation, the authorities of six factories stopped operations for Sunday and helped the workers to leave factories instantly, fearing further vandalism.
On information, industrial police also joined the duty police and lobbed 10 tear gas shells and fired at least 20 rounds of rubber bullets to bring the situation under control.
A chaotic situation was created in the area following the sudden rush of hundreds of workers on the highway and its adjacent alleys.
The situation became normal around 11:30am.
The authorities of Hyun Apparels Ltd had suspended its 101 workers around 10 days before as they assaulted one of their high officials.
The assault was the result of a brawl following late arrival of a worker of the factory.
Source: The Daily Star
