At least 20 people, including police personnel, were injured in a chase and counter-chase between RMG workers and law enforcers in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Tuesday morning, following the reported suicide of a factory worker.
The unrest began after workers of Jinnat Knitwear Limited, located in the Natun Bazar area, alleged that their colleague Zakir had died by suicide after being denied leave for Eid-ul-Azha.
According to the workers, Zakir had gone to the Human Resources office on Monday seeking leave, but the authorities rejected his request and allegedly mistreated him, leading him to jump off the rooftop of the factory.
Angered by the incident, the workers attempted to vandalise the factory on Tuesday morning. Police intervened, leading to a chase and counter-chase. Locals reported that law enforcers charged batons and fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesting workers.
During the clash, the workers allegedly vandalised a police Armored Personnel Carrier.
Officer-in-charge of Sreepur Police Station Muhammad Abdurl Barik said several police members were injured while trying to bring the situation under control.
To prevent further violence, additional forces from the Army, Industrial Police and regular police have been deployed in the area.
As of 1:00pm, a tense situation was prevailing there.
