50 workers injured in clash at Chattogram EPZ

More than 50 workers were injured in a clash that broke out this morning between workers of two ready-made garment factories in the Chattogram export processing zone.

According to CEPZ and industrial police sources, several workers at various factories have been protesting since last week over various demands, including pay rises.

Last week there was an altercation between employees of Merimo Limited and JMS Limited. After the discussion, the situation became normal.

However, around noon today, workers started throwing stones at their factories, leading to clashes around 9am today, said CEPZ executive director Md Abdus Sobhan.

In an interview with The Daily Star, workers from both factories claimed that the former were attacked by the latter.

At least 45 injured workers were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, many of whom were discharged after primary treatment, said police officer Sabuj Mia of the CMCH police station.

“Due to the earlier incident, a clash broke out between workers of two plants outside the Chittagong EPZ. Several people were injured as the aggrieved workers threw bricks and stones at each other,” said Md Solaiman, superintendent of Chattogram Industrial Police.

He added that in the afternoon the officers brought the situation under control.