Attempt to vandalize factories in Gazipur, 6 arrested by army

Attempt to vandalize factories in Gazipur, 6 arrested by army
September 23, 20242 Mins Read

Own Correspondent, Gazipur: Six people have been arrested by the Army for creating chaos during a protest at a food manufacturing factory in Mouchak area of Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur .

They were arrested on Monday (September 23) morning during a protest at Kocola Food Products Limited factory area in Mouchka upazila. However, the names and identities of the detainees were not found.

Earlier, workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for half an hour. On receiving the information, the police and Sona Bahini dispersed the workers and six people were arrested for creating disorder. Besides, the authorities have announced the closure of three factories in separate areas of Kaliakair upazila for an indefinite period.

Talking to the industrial police and the workers of the factory, it is known that the workers of Kocola Food Products Limited factory in Mouchak area of Kaliakair upazila joined work on Sunday (September 22) morning. Around 10:30 am, the workers suddenly started protesting inside the factory demanding 12 points including minimum wage of 12,500 taka, attendance bonus of 800 taka, general and annual leave. At one stage, the agitated workers staged a blockade on the Dhaka-Tangail highway next to the factory. As the situation worsened, the factory authorities announced the closure of the factory for an indefinite period.

Despite the indefinite shutdown, the workers continued to protest in front of the factory this morning. They protested on the Dhaka-Tangail highway. At one stage, some unruly workers tried to vandalize the factory even after it was closed. On receiving the information, the Industrial Police, Thana Police and Army personnel went to the spot and chased the workers to control the situation.

At that time, the army members arrested six people for illegally entering the factory and causing chaos. Later, the army personnel ordered the workers to leave the factory area by announcing on the hand mike.

Factory worker Kamal Hossain said, 'More than five thousand workers work in our factory. The minimum salary given is eight thousand rupees. I can't live with this money on rent and food. So for a long time I have been demanding to make the minimum salary 12 thousand 500 taka. But the owner did not take any action. Didn't even want to listen to us.'

Gazipur Industrial Police (Zone-2) Inspector Nitai Chandra Sarkar said that the workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for some time. Now the situation is normal.

Workers' protest, road blockade for 12-point demand in Gazipur