At least a worker was killed and over 15 others injured in clashes between law enforcement agencies and demonstrating workers of Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari district on Tuesday morning.
The clash broke out around 8:30am, said witnesses.
The deceased was identified as Habib Islam, 20, an employee of Eco Polythene Company. He was the son of Dulal Hossain of Kazirhat village in Sangolshi union under Nilphamari Sadar upazila.
Confirming the death, Dr Farhan Tanvirul Islam, an on-duty physician at Nilphamari 250-bed General Hospital, said Habib was brought to the hospital with gunshot injuries but was declared dead upon arrival.
Workers said employees of Evergreen Products Factory (BD) Ltd had been demonstrating for several days over various demands. This morning, they staged a sit-in at the main gate of the EPZ, blocking other workers from entering the factories.
When law enforcement agencies intervened, the situation escalated into a clash.
"Habib used to work at Eco Polythene Company. He was shot by police on his way home after his night shift," said a worker.
Following his death, unrest spread among the workers, who tried to take control of parts of the EPZ. Later, army personnel dispersed them.
Workers at the EPZ have been agitating for four consecutive days with a 20-point demand that includes reducing production targets, ensuring proper overtime, timely payment of wages and allowances, resolving housing and promotion issues, not starting duty before 7am, providing special facilities for pregnant workers, ending physical and mental harassment, and refraining from dismissing workers over minor issues.
Yesterday, following the continued protests, the authorities of Evergreen Products Factory (BD) Ltd issued a notice declaring the factory closed for an indefinite period.
