Student protest turns tense in N’ganj after alleged attack by garment factory officials

Owners of the Knit Concern Group in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, have been accused of attacking a human chain organised by local students protesting alleged land grabbing against the factory owner.

The confrontation began around 2pm today (19 April) in the Pathantuli area and continued into the evening.

Following the attack, members of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), along with supporters, gathered in front of the Knit Concern garment factory. 

Tensions escalated further when the factory owners allegedly attempted to approach the protestors again. 

However, the presence of a large number of police personnel and continuous army patrols prevented any clashes.

Among those present at the human chain were Mahfuz Khan, convener of the Narayanganj Metropolitan committee of SAD, along with leaders Jabed Alam, Mehrab Hossain Prabhat, Emon Ahmed, Fahim Khandaker Anik, and Nur-e Arafat Adar.

Eyewitnesses said Knit Concern Group Director Jahangir Hossain Molla led the alleged attack, during which factory owners and workers issued threats at the protesting students, including warnings of violence. 

Protesters claimed they were threatened with being bombed and "blown up."

Locals said the conflict stems from a long-standing land dispute involving property in and around the Knit Concern factory, including allegations of illegal occupation of railway land. Recently, just before Eid, Knit Concern reportedly fenced off a newly occupied plot with tin sheets. 

After today's protest, part of this fencing was destroyed by the students.

Student organiser Fahim Khandaker Anik alleged, "Jahangir and Joynal Molla have occupied both government and private lands. They act with impunity. When we protested the land grabbing, we were attacked."

In response, Knit Concern officials accused the student leaders of staging the protest on behalf of another party and damaging their leased property. 

Jahangir Molla claimed the land had been legally leased from the railway and invited anyone with ownership claims to resolve the matter legally. 

He denied involvement in any attack on the students' human chain.

Fahim, however, stated that part of the disputed godown land belongs to his relatives, and he has been granted power of attorney to represent them in the matter.

Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahinur Alam said, "There is a dispute between two parties over government land. We are working here to maintain peace."