Garment workers go on rampage in Gazipur

13 July 2010, 18:00 PM

A Correspondent, Gazipur

Agitated workers of two garments factories in Gazipur sadar yesterday went on a rampage protesting underpayment of production wage. Several hundred workers of Zahin Text and Givensee Garments under Givensee group in Hotapara area vandalised four rooms of security guards inside the factories around 8:30am. They also attacked the officials of the factories leaving 20 people injured. Of the injured, two were in critical condition. They were later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital from a local clinic. Witnesses said the workers took to the street at Hotapara bus stop and blockaded the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for one hour. Later, at about 10:30am police took the situation under control and restored traffic movement. Following the rampage, the authorities shut down eight units of the factories provisionally and two units for indefinite period. Workers alleged that they were paid less and monthly payment was not given regularly. AKM Shafiul Alam, general manager of Givensee group, denied the allegation claiming they paid better salaries compared to that of other factories. Officer-in-charge of Joydevpur Police Station Abdur Rashid said no case was yet filed in this connection.