RMG worker dies after factory wall collapse in Gazipur

A tragic accident at a ready-made garment (RMG) factory in Gazipur today (17 August) claimed the life of a worker and left another injured after the factory's adjacent boundary wall collapsed.

The incident occurred around 7:45am at the Takwa Fabrics factory, a concern of the Lantabur group, located in the Baherarchala area of Shreepur municipality in Gazipur. 

The deceased has been identified as Billal Hossain, 32, a resident of Nawpara village in Gurudaspur Upazila, Natore. The identity of the injured worker has not been confirmed yet.

Shreepur Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Majharul Islam told The Business Standard, "Billal was walking along the north-western boundary wall of the factory on his way to work when the wall suddenly collapsed."

"He fell beneath the debris and sustained serious injuries. Locals rescued him and provided initial treatment, but he succumbs to his injuries on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital," the SI added.

Mahfuzur Rahman, senior general manager of accounts at Lantabur Group, said recent heavy rains had caused water to accumulate at the base of the boundary wall, loosening the sand beneath it and leading to the collapse. 

The factory officials have pledged to cover all dues, including burial and posthumous benefits, per labour laws.

Shreepur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Abdul Barik stated that a team is at the factory and has contacted the deceased's relatives by phone. "Upon their arrival, a formal post-mortem will be conducted, and further legal procedures will follow based on their statements."

According to factory sources, Billal, is the son of Golam Hossain, lived with his wife and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter in a rented house near the factory area. He had been working for nearly ten years as a maintenance supervisor in the factory.