RMG workers stage demos in Gazipur

Workers of several readymade garment factories in Gazipur Sadar upazila took to the streets yesterday, vandalising and setting fire to some vehicles and causing blockade on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway before law enforcers intervened.

Police lobbed tear gas canisters and charged baton to disperse the workers, who were demanding increased wage.

Traffic movement at Gorgoria Master Bari area on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway remained suspended for about one hour from 3pm due to the workers' agitation.

The workers of NAZ Composite Ltd at Rajendrapur agitated intermittently from morning till 4pm, while workers of Golden Garments Ltd at Bhabanipur, and Jaber Jobaer and Hams Industrial group at Gorgoria Master Bari also demonstrated on the streets.

Workers at NAZ factory said the government recently announced increased wage and allowances for workers, but the authorities ignored it and paid wages as per previous rate, which caused discontent among 6,000 workers for the last one week.

Witnesses said the workers set a motorcycle and covered van in the factory on fire, at around noon. Later police dispersed the workers by charging baton and brought the fire under control.

Workers of Golden Garments marched to nearby Mondal Garments Ltd, tried to bring out the workers from the factory, and vandalised the factory's gate.

No factory authority spoke with the media about the matter.

OC of Gazipur Industrial Police Iskander Habib said workers at two RMG factories started agitating from morning, demanding raise. He said police later brought the situation under control, and were patrolling the area to avert unrest.