Workers of a garment factory at Kalurghat Bisic Industrial Area in Chittagong city staged a demonstration on Thursday morning protesting the announcement of the factory’s sudden closure for an indefinite period.
The agitated workers performed various acts of vandalism in and around the area, Industrial Police sources said.
Arifur Rahman Arif, inspector (intelligence) of Industrial Police in Chittagong, told the Dhaka Tribune that hundreds of workers of Savar Seawater, owned by Azim Group, started their demonstration in front of the factory at around 10:15am when they found out that the factory was declared closed for an indefinite period without any prior notice.
The workers also vandalised the windows of the factory building, hurling bricks as they could not enter the establishment, while the unrest also triggered workers from four other readymade garment factories to protest as well, he said.
Later, Industrial Police rushed to the spot and dispersed the mob after a chase and counter-chase between police and the agitating workers, said the inspector.
Inspector Arif said an argument had arisen between authorities and the workers a few days ago over the issue of piece rate for each unit of sweater manufactured, but they reached a compromise on Wednesday night after a meeting between both the groups was held.
“But, the factory authorities on Thursday closed the factory suddenly that grew the workers’ agitation,” he said.
However, police took control of the situation.
No factory official could be contacted over mobile phone after repeated attempts.