A garment worker, Kawsar Ahmed Khan, 26, was shot dead and 30 others injured during a clash between protesting workers and law enforcers in Ashulia.
– Kawsar was a sewing machine operator at Mango Tex factory.
– Workers were demanding a pay hike and protesting non-implementation of an 18-point agreement.
– Law enforcers, including police, industrial police, RAB, and army personnel, clashed with protesters.
– At least 5 vehicles were vandalized, and 7 industrial police members were injured.
– Factory owners reported losses of $4.8 lakh due to closures.
– BGMEA expressed sadness and provided Tk 5 lakh to Kawsar’s family.
– Workers’ union leaders blamed broken promises and unresolved issues for the unrest.
– Factory owners cited weak law and order and vandalization.
– Demands include implementation of 18-point agreement, payment of arrears and attendance bonus, withdrawal of cases against workers, and end to worker abuse.
– Consequences include 20 factories closed due to violence, disruption in garment production and exports, and concerns over worker safety and rights.
– The incident highlights ongoing labor tensions and worker rights concerns in Bangladesh’s garment industry.
News Source: Daily Star (29 September 2024)
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