142 RMG workers infected with Covid-19 till date
Meanwhile, hundreds of RMG workers demonstrated protest in different parts of the country for due wages and bonus
A total of 142 workers from 59 different ready made garments (RMG) and other factories across the country have tested positive for Covid-19 since April 26 as factories resumed operation.
Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Superintendent of Industrial Police headquarters confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
Among the positive cases- 102 workers were from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) factories, 40 from 14 Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA) factories.
While two were from a Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) factory, 14 from 10 Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) factories and the rest 12 from other 11 factories across the country.
Meanwhile, hundreds of RMG workers demonstrated protest in different parts of the country for due wages and bonus.
Susanta Sarker, additional superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, told the Business Standard that Panwin Apparels workers took to the street of Gazipur's Sripu upazilas Bagher Bazar area for Eid Bonus and April salary.
"Demonstration started from 10:30 am and at a moment agitated factory workers vandalised a part of the factory and they also blocked Dhaka-Mymensingh highway when clashes, chases, counter-chases, took place during this time," he added.
"During the chase, Gazipur Sadar police station inspector had been injured and police were forced to press, releasing tear cell and were able to disperse them at 5pm," said Susanta Sarker.
He also informed that another protest of Shyamli Garments workers in Salna area took place on Saturday.
"Then the workers refrained from protest after getting an assurance of wages on June 4," Susanta added.
Industrial Police headquarters sources informed that more protest took place in Savar, Narayanganj and Chattogram.
Khan Monirul Alam Shuvo, chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee (Media and PR), said, "Pan Win Garments and Shamoly Garments belong to same group. Salary was already paid to the workers on time."
"Saturday was scheduled day to pay the bonus. But unfortunately they couldn't arrange the funds today. But they have finally managed it and will pay the workers tomorrow. The situation is under control and normal now," he added.
