Staff Correspondent :
Worker unrest has erupted at Robintex Garments, an export-oriented factory in Rupganj, Narayanganj, over layoffs, unpaid bonuses, and due wages.
The situation escalated when workers blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, set fires in several spots, and staged demonstrations. This led to repeated clashes between the workers and law enforcement.
During the unrest, workers vandalized two police vehicles. As law enforcement tried to bring the situation under control through baton charges, workers responded by throwing bricks and stones. More than a hundred people, including members of the security forces, were injured.
Among the injured are Army Lieutenant Mobin, soldiers Bandhon, Sohrab, and Mehedi, Additional Superintendent of Police (Industrial Police) Sadikur Rahman, and workers Shafia, Runa, Molina, Majeda, and Rupu. The incident took place on Wednesday (April 9), between 12 PM and 3 PM, in front of the factory on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in the Aukhabho area. Police have detained 10 workers in connection with the clashes.
The four-hour blockade on the highway caused severe traffic congestion, leaving the public in distress.
According to workers, the garment factory had been closed from March 29 to April 7 for the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. However, on March 28-just before the closure-65 workers were laid off without any prior notice or explanation. Although management had promised to pay 65% of Eid bonuses, only 50% was given. Additionally, while one month’s salary was due, only 20 days’ wages were paid before the factory was shut.
When the factory reopened on April 8, workers demanded explanations for the layoffs and payment of pending salaries and bonuses. Management, however, reportedly stalled and avoided direct answers.
On Wednesday morning, workers continued their sit-in inside the factory. When security personnel instructed them to return to work, a verbal altercation broke out. Around noon, tensions escalated as law enforcement intervened, leading to physical altercations and eventual baton charges.
In response, the workers moved outside and blocked the highway by toppling electric poles. This triggered more rounds of clashes with police as they tried to clear the road. Workers hurled stones and bricks at the security forces during the confrontation.
Md. Mehedi Islam, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (C Circle), Narayanganj, stated, The clash began around noon. Among the injured are Lieutenant Mobin and several soldiers, along with 15-20 police personnel.
My vehicle and the Rupganj police station officer-in-charge’s car were vandalized during the incident. We have detained 10 individuals. The situation is now relatively under control.
