20 hurt in Fatullah clash

At least 20 people including five policemen were injured yesterday, when law enforcers tried to stop several thousand workers of a garment factory from agitating in BSCIC industrial area of Fatullah in Narayanganj.

Workers of Fakir Apparels started demonstrating at the factory premises in the morning, to press home demand of hiking production incentive. They have been demanding the raise for a week, said workers and police.

The workers took position on streets, and at one point started attacking nearby factories and smashing parked vehicles.

They clashed with police after they arrived at the scene, and injured five policemen including the OC of Fatullah Model Police Station. Fifteen workers were also hurt during chase and counter-chase, said Mohammad Shahjalal, inspector of the police station.  

The situation was under control and additional force were deployed, he said.

MA Shahin, president of garment workers trade union centre in Narayanganj district, said police swooped on a peaceful demonstration of workers and injured at least 10 to 15 workers.

Debashish Roy, executive director of Fakir Apparels, told The Daily Star after the workers made the demand, they already raised the incentive to 10 percent of basic salary. Since the workers ransacked the factory despite the raise, authorities would take legal action, he said.

BSCIC Garments Owners Association President Mohammad Hatem said 15 to 20 factories and several vehicles were vandalised. As a result, all factories in the BSCIC industrial area had to shut down for the day.