At least 20 workers from a garment factory in Ashulia industrial area were assaulted on Saturday, in what the workers claim was an orchestrated attack by factory authorities.
Joint forces detained six individuals from outside the factory in connection with the incident and handed them over to Ashulia Police Station.
The incident occurred at Donglian Fashion BD Ltd, a garment factory located in Bypail. Workers had recently protested, demanding the dismissal of four factory officials along with other demands, which the factory authorities had agreed to at the time.
In the morning, the workers rejoined work. However, some factory staffs asked them to sign a paper that would reinstate the previously dismissed officials, leading to an argument.
Subsequently, the factory authorities allegedly brought in around 150 outsiders who attacked the workers. At least 20 workers were injured and received treatment at various hospitals.
Workers alleged that the attackers beat them in front of police officers on duty, who took no action during the incident.
Repeated attempts to contact Rafiqul Islam, the factory's admin officer, went unanswered.
Anwar Hossain, additional superintendent of police of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, stated over the phone that the factory owners had brought in "volunteers" for the safety of the factory, and that a clash broke out between the workers and these volunteers. Six people have been detained in connection with the incident and handed over to the police.
He added that additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed in front of the factory.
