RMG unrest flares up in capital, Gazipur
Hundreds of outraged workers, Instead of joining works, went on a rampage in Malibagh, Rampura, Mirpur areas in the capital Dhaka.
Dhaka (RTNN): Outraged by the deaths of fellow-workers in a disastrous building collapse at Savar, garment workers went on a rampage in the capital and Gazipur on Friday morning demanding punishment of the garment factory owners responsible for the tragedy.
Instead of joining their works, hundreds of garment workers of Malibagh, Rampura, Mirpur, Shewrapara and Kazipara areas in the city took to the streets and staged rowdy demonstrations from 8 am.
The garment factories in the areas remain open on Fridays, as their weekly holiday is on Monday.
The unruly RMG workers vandalised over 200 vehicles in Hazipara, Rampura, and Badda areas from 10 am to 10:30 am.
Vehicular movement from Mirpur 10 to Agargaon crossing was disrupted in the morning due to the surprise demonstrations. They also chanted slogans demanding their safety in their workplaces.
According to UNB Gazipur correspondent, several hundred RMG workers staged demonstrations in the morning demanding punishment of the Rana Plaza owner that collapsed on Wednesday causing huge casualties. So far, 282 deaths have been reported from the spot and the death toll may go up sharply as many people still remain trapped in the rubble.
Traffic on Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways came to a halt due to the demonstrations by the RMG workers.
Sources said several hundred garment workers from Konabari, Bhogra, Borobari, Targanj, Chandona and other places took to the streets wielding sticks and staged demonstrations demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of the Rana Plaza owner, who reportedly forced the workers to join their works on the fateful day.
They also registered their protest as many garment units open were kept open on Thursday although the government declared it a mourning day.
Vehicular movement on the highways remained stopped since morning due to their agitation. They also vandalised scores of passing vehicles.
The workers vandalised several garment factories as the authorities did not suspend their production. Later, the authorities were forced to shut down the factories to quell the unrest.
RMG unrest flares up in capital, Gazipur | National | Rtnn.net