Factory worker’s suicide sparks violent clash with police in Gazipur

A tragic incident unfolded in the Naynpur New Market area of Sreepur, Gazipur, when a worker at Jinnat Knitwear Limited factory died after jumping from the factory roof on Monday night.

The deceased, Md. Zakir Hossain, 30, son of Muktar Uddin from Badechiram village in Barhatra Upazila, Netrokona, was rushed to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital after sustaining serious injuries. Doctors declared him dead at 9 p.m.

According to fellow workers, Zakir went to request leave from factory authorities but was denied and allegedly subjected to mistreatment, which drove him to take his own life. However, the factory’s AGM, Jubayer Basar, claimed that Zakir was suffering from depression due to family issues and that his suicide was unrelated to work.

Following the death, tensions escalated as angry workers attempted to vandalise the factory premises. During the unrest, a police armored personnel carrier (APC) was damaged. A confrontation broke out between workers and police, resulting in a chase through the area.

Police responded by firing tear gas shells around 9 a.m. Tuesday to disperse the crowd and regain control. As of 11 a.m., both Bangladesh Army personnel and police remained on site. Many workers continued to stay inside the factory.

Workers accused the police of launching a premeditated attack, which led to several injuries. “Our colleague died due to mistreatment, and instead of addressing our concerns, police fired tear gas on us,” said Mamun, one of the protesting workers. Another worker, Kaisar, condemned the management’s long-standing mistreatment and the police crackdown.

In contrast, police officials maintained that the workers initiated the attack on law enforcement personnel. Md. Abdul Latif, officer in charge of the Industrial Police’s Shreepur sub-zone, stated, “Workers vandalized an APC vehicle during the unrest. Police took necessary measures to restore order.”

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the worker’s death and subsequent unrest remain ongoing.