One textile worker was slain in a Gazipur police skirmish

One textile worker was slain in a Gazipur police skirmish:1 woman worker was killed in a police clash with protesting workers in Gazipur’s Konabari area demanding a minimum wage of Tk 23,500 for garment workers. This incident took place in Kashimpur Zarun area of Gazipur metropolis around 8:30 am on Wednesday morning. When he was brought to Dhaka Medical Hospital with serious injuries, the doctor declared him dead. Besides, one more worker named Jamal Uddin was shot and at least 10 workers were injured.

Bachchu Mia, Inspector in charge of Police Camp of DMK Hospital, said that two people came to Dhaka Medical Center with bullet wounds from Konabari area of Gazipur. Among them, a woman named Anjuara Khatun of Islam Garments was declared dead by the doctor. Jamal Uddin, who was shot, is undergoing treatment in the emergency department.

Jamal Uddin, who was shot, said, I work in Islam Garments. I was shot by the police while going to office in the morning. Later I was first rescued and taken to a local hospital. From there he was brought to Dhaka Medical for advanced treatment. Currently undergoing treatment in the emergency department.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police DC (DB) Mohammad Ibrahim Khan said that the police threw sound grenades during the workers’ protest in the morning.

Workers are not supposed to die. A woman worker was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with serious injuries.
Meanwhile, the workers of various factories in Gazipur including Konabari, Kashimpur, Safipur and Mouchak have been agitating for a long time demanding a minimum salary of 23,500 taka. Yesterday, the wage board proposed a minimum wage of Tk 12,500 for garment workers.

Later, the workers announced to continue the agitation by rejecting the salary announced by the wage board. According to the previous announcement, the workers of Standard Garments Limited, Ripon Knitwear Limited, Islam Garments and Bestall Sweaters in Konabari area started protesting in front of the factory without attending work, and the authorities declared the factory holiday. At around 8 am, hundreds of workers gathered in front of Jarun intersection in Kashimpur and started marching with sticks.

At one point, workers blocked various roads and set fire to wood and tires. Later police clashed with agitated workers. At one point, the police fired tearshells and sound grenades to bring the situation under control. Later the agitated workers dispersed and proceeded towards Hatimara via Roshan Market.