Clash at Chattogram EPZ leaves 30 garment workers injured

At least 30 people were injured in a clash among workers of two readymade garment factories in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) today (11 January).

Law enforcement officials reported that the army was deployed to control the conflict that started at around 9am and continued for hours.

EPZ Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman said, "The unrest started with a disagreement between workers of different factories over opening a factory's main gate. The argument escalated into hurling brickbats and physical confrontations. Many were injured and required hospitalisation."

"The situation is now under control, with the army present at the site to ensure peace. Further details will be shared following an investigation," the OC said.

According to police and labour sources, workers at several garment factories had been staging protests for days, demanding a 9% annual salary increase. Some factory authorities agreed to the demands, prompting workers from other factories to initiate similar protests.

Md Naeem, who brought many of the injured to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), said, "The protest started at 9am, and workers from Modist, JMS, and Merimo factories suddenly got involved in a clash."

"Many were wielding sticks. Bricks and stones were thrown between groups. We rescued 19 injured people and transported them to the hospital. In total, 30 workers were hurt before police and army personnel restored order," Naeem said.

Monir Hosen, staff of the Emergency Department at CMCH, said, "The injured began arriving at the hospital from 12pm. They have been provided with emergency treatment."

Two factories temporarily closed following clash

Authorities have temporarily closed two factories in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) following the clash. The Marimo factory will remain closed for three days, while the JMS factory will be shut down for two days.

Abdus Sobhan, executive director of CEPZ, described the incident as a minor misunderstanding between workers of the two factories. 

"The owners have addressed the situation, and the environment is now calm. Both factories have been granted holidays to ease tensions," he said.

Industrial Police Superintendent Md Sulaiman stated that the factories have declared holidays to prevent further escalation. 

The owners intend to meet and discuss solutions to address the workers' internal issues, he added.