20 RMG workers, 11 cops injured as colleague's suicide sparks protest, clash in Gazipur

A worker's suicide at a garment factory in Gazipur's Sreepur upazila triggered violent protests and clashes this morning (3 June), leaving at least 20 people injured, including police personnel.

According to police and worker sources, the incident occurred after a worker of Jinnat Knitwear Limited in Nayanpur Notun Bazar area jumped to his death from the factory rooftop yesterday evening (2 June). The worker, Jakir Hossain, had reportedly asked for leave earlier in the day, but was denied and allegedly mistreated by factory authorities, leading him to take his own life out of frustration.

Jakir sustained critical injuries after jumping and was rushed to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 9pm.

In response, agitated workers refused to join work this morning and staged protests in front of the factory, accusing the management of abusive behaviour. 

Tensions escalated as workers attempted to vandalise the factory premises. When police intervened to control the situation, clashes broke out, leading to chase and counter-chase between law enforcers and protesters.

Police retaliated by charging batons and firing several rounds of tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.

"At least 20 workers and 11 police personnel were injured during the clashes," said Mohammad Abdul Barik, officer-in-charge of Sreepur police station. 

"The workers brought various allegations of misconduct against the factory management and became aggressive, prompting the police to take action to restore order," he added. 

AKM Zahirul Islam, superintendent of police at Gazipur Industrial Police-2, said, "The situation remains tense but under control. A large contingent of law enforcement personnel including army, industrial police and local police have been deployed in the area."