Over 100 injured as RMG workers, police clash in Narayanganj
More than 100 people were injured on Wednesday, April 9, as clashes erupted between garment factory workers and law enforcement agencies in Rupganj of Narayanganj, during protests against layoffs and demands for payment of arrears.
The clashes took place in front of the Robintex Group factory at Bhulta on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway.
According to agitated workers and witnesses, tensions began escalating due to unresolved grievances.
The Robintex factory had been closed from March 29 to April 7 for the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. However, prior to the closure, on March 28, authorities laid off 65 workers without prior notice. Additionally, workers were entitled to a 65% bonus but received only **50%. They were also supposed to receive one month’s salary but were paid for only 20 days.
On Tuesday, April 8, when workers approached the management seeking clarification about the layoffs and discrepancies in bonus and salary payments, they alleged that the authorities delayed addressing their concerns.
On Wednesday, hundreds of workers gathered in front of the factory to protest against the layoffs and demand fair compensation. The situation escalated into violence as clashes broke out between the protesters and police.
Inspector Mizanur Rahman of the Bhulta police outpost said that unrest arose among the workers when law enforcement personnel attempted to intervene. The agitated labourers allegedly attacked the police, leaving several officers injured.
Mehedi Hasan, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP, Circle-Ga) in Narayanganj, confirmed that around 10 police personnel were injured during the clashes. Protesters also vandalised police vehicles stationed at the scene.
Efforts are still underway to bring the situation under control, he added.
Agitated workers emphasised that their demands are not unreasonable. They are protesting against the sudden layoffs, unpaid dues, and discrepancies in bonus and salary payments.
Despite assurances from the authorities, the workers expressed frustration over what they perceive as deliberate delays in resolving their grievances.
