At least 50 people, including military officers, police and workers, have been injured in a clash occurred between workers and law enforcement agencies during a protest by workers against the dismissal of employees at export-oriented industrial company, Robin Tex BD Limited, at Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj district.
The incident took place on Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Aukhabo area on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway.
There were multiple instances of chasing and counter-chasing between the workers and law enforcement agencies, leading to heightened tensions among the workers.
According to workers and police sources, the factory management dismissed 120 workers without notice on grounds of not paying their wages, allowances and Eid bonuses during the Eid holidays. On April 8, when the workers tried to enter the factory, they came to know that 120 workers had been laid off. In protest, they demonstrated inside the factory.
On Wednesday, workers continued protesting inside the factory against the layoffs for the third consecutive day.
By 12:00 PM, the situation escalated when the army and police intervened to stop the workers. This led to a physical confrontation between the workers and the law enforcement agencies.
At one point, protestors left the factory and blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway. They set fire in various places on the road, demanding reinstatement of the workers.
During this time, incidents of stone-throwing occurred between the workers and law enforcement agencies.
The clash resulted in injuries to Lieutenant Mobin from the army; Sohrab, Badhon, Mehedi and Additional Superintendent of Police Sadikur Rahman from industrial police, as well as at least 50 workers.
Police arrested 10 workers in connection with the incident.
Due to the unrest, heavy traffic congestion occurred on both sides of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway.
Narayanganj Senior Assistant Police Superintendent (C Circle) Md. Mehedi Islam said Lieutenant Mobin of the army and 15-20 police officers were injured.
Police have arrested 10 people in connection with the incident and the situation is now reported to be somewhat under control, added the police official.
SM/SH
