Denied sick leave, Ctg EPZ worker dies later; investigation launched
The responsible supervisor has been suspended
A young garment factory worker died allegedly after being denied sick leave at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has formed a four-member investigation committee, and a supervisor of the factory has been suspended following the incident.
The deceased, 23-year-old Utpal Tanchangya, was employed at LCB International Ltd, a foreign-owned ready-made garment factory in Chattogram EPZ. He passed away on Monday while receiving treatment at the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) in Faujdarhat, Chattogram.
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According to a press release issued by BEPZA on Tuesday, signed by Chattogram EPZ Executive Director Md Abdus Sobahan, Utpal had fallen ill at around 11:00 AM on April 27 and notified both his supervisor and line leader.
The supervisor reportedly advised him to take oral saline from the company's medical unit and return to work after a brief rest. Utpal continued working until 7:00 PM, after which he cycled home.
Later that night, around 10:00 PM, Utpal's roommate and brother, Jisan Tanchangya, found him gravely ill in the bathroom. He received initial treatment from a local doctor, but his condition worsened overnight. The next morning, Jisan rushed him to BITID's emergency unit, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, BEPZA stated that the supervisor in question has been temporarily suspended. A four-member inquiry committee has been formed and is expected to submit its report within three working days. BEPZA has pledged to take necessary action based on the findings of the investigation.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Jasim Uddin, Additional Superintendent (Public Relations) of Industrial Police, Chattogram region, confirmed that while no formal complaint has been filed yet, legal action will be taken if a case is registered.
Labour leaders have condemned the incident, calling it a reflection of systemic negligence and cruelty in factory management. In a joint statement, leaders of the Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra's Chattogram chapter, along with representatives from affiliated unions, expressed deep anger and sorrow over Utpal's death.
"This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the inhumane, negligent, and irresponsible labour practices still prevalent in many of our industrial facilities," the labour leaders said.
They demanded swift punishment for those responsible and called on the government and factory authorities to provide adequate compensation to Utpal's family.
