SAVAR: Over 50 people were injured, including cops and journalists, in a fresh clash in Ashulia industrial belt Tuesday morning.

Hordes of workers vandalised 20-25 vehicles and set fire on one protesting the decision of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, BGMEA to close all apparel units in Ashulia for an indefinite period from Tuesday.

The decision that came from an emergency meeting held Monday night at BGMEA office in the wake of recent labour unrest. According to BGMEA, the decision was taken for security reasons and due to workers’ `illegal strikes`.  

BGMEA President Abdus Salam Murshedi told banglandews24.com.bd “The factory owners are not feeling safe amid current volatile situation in Ashulia.”

The workers also blocked the busy Bipile-Abdullah road with burning tyres on Tuesday morning. Police poured hot water on demonstrators to disperse them. The belligerent workers pelted the cops with brickbats and police retaliated by firing teargas shells and rubber bullets.

The clash left more than 50 persons including some police members and three journalists injured, reports banglanews24.com.bd correspondent Jahidur Rahman.  

The journalists are: staff reporter of NTV Jahidur Rahman, Saver correspondent of Baishakhi TV Abdul Halim and Photo journalist of the daily Inqilab Abdur Rahman Mintu.

The series of clashes between workers and the law have been continuing from Saturday last as a standoff over a recommended pay hike took a turn for the worst crisis in the export industry.

The ongoing labour unrest, with about 300 factories remaining shut in Ashulia industrial area, poses a threat to the country’s export-oriented readymade garment sector.

BDST 1211 hrs June 22, 2010
Jahidur/SMS