Garment worker killed in clash between two groups in Ashulia

A woman was killed and several others were injured in a clash between two groups of garment workers in Ashulia, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

The deceased, Rokeya Begum, 35, an assistant sewing machine operator at Mascot Garments Limited, was a resident of Gudarhat village in Gaibandha Sadar upazila.

Sarowar Alam, Superintendent of Industrial Police-1, said workers from the closed Mascot Garments Limited had gathered in front of their factory in the Zirabo area of Ashulia. When the army and police attempted to disperse them, the agitated workers began throwing brick chips at Radiance Garments Limited, which is located next door. A confrontation ensued between the workers of the two factories. During the clash, Rokeya was struck by a brick chip and died, while several others were injured and are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

Meanwhile, most garment factories in the Ashulia industrial area resumed production today. However, 19 factories remain closed: 18 indefinitely under the Labor Act and one on general leave. From 8:00 am, workers returned to their workplaces and began production.

To prevent further incidents, additional police have been deployed in front of the factories, and army patrols are ongoing in the area.