Tremors Shake Cracked Factory Building Again in N’ganj Over 50 Workers Injured. Protests and Vandalism

Staff Correspondent :
Workers at an export-oriented garment factory in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj staged a
protest after the owners allegedly forced them to work inside a building that had developed
cracks during a recent earthquake. Police said agitated workers also vandalized at least five
vehicles inside the factory premises. The incident took place on Saturday (22 November) at
Robintex (Bangladesh) Ltd. in the Bhulta area, according to Industrial Police Inspector Selim Badsha. He said cracks appeared in two buildings of the factory following Friday’s earthquake. After an inspection by the company’s own engineers, temporary repairs were made, and workers were instructed to return to duty on Saturday. Around 9 a.m., the workers joined their shifts as directed. “While they were working, tremors were felt again in the factory building, which caused panic among the workers. They immediately rushed out of the building,” he said.

In the rush to evacuate, more than 50 workers sustained minor injuries. Police said they received first aid. Following the injuries, the workers became even more agitated. The angry workers then vandalized several vehicles inside the factory compound, Inspector Selim Badsha added. Thousands of workers continued to occupy the factory premises until noon, but later dispersed. In the afternoon, representatives from the upazila administration, local police station, industrial police, workers, and factory owners held a meeting. Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tarikul Islam said, “Officials from the police and administration have met with both the workers and the management. A decision will be announced later regarding whether work can resume in the damaged building.”