A tragic incident in Gazipur`s Sreepur upazila, turned violent on Tuesday after a garment worker allegedly died by suicide following public humiliation by factory management.
The deceased, 25-year-old Zakir Hossain from Netrokona, reportedly jumped from the 8th floor of his workplace, Jinnat Knitwear Ltd, after being forced to perform sit-ups while holding his ears in front of fellow workers for taking a sick leave.
Eyewitnesses said that in response to Zakir’s death, hundreds of enraged workers began a protest demanding justice.
The situation escalated when police attempted to disperse the demonstration using batons and tear gas. Protesters claim police also opened fire, though law enforcement authorities have denied this allegation.
Over 100 workers and at least 10 police officers were injured in the ensuing chaos. A police vehicle belonging to the industrial police was vandalized by protesters.
Some workers, including pregnant women, were allegedly beaten while fleeing or hiding in nearby houses. Victims accused law enforcement of using excessive and brutal force, describing the violence as ‘inhuman.’
Officials if the factory, confirmed the suicide but downplayed the protests as factory vandalism.
Meanwhile, local police stated that the unrest began in the morning and continued for several hours, with tear gas used to control the crowd. However, they denied any firing and said the number of arrested individuals was still being determined.
The incident has sparked outrage over labor rights and police brutality in the country`s garment sector.
