Protests erupted on Monday morning in the Bhogra Bypass area after workers at Panorama Garments reportedly alleged that a female colleague died due to the factory’s refusal to grant her leave while she was seriously ill.
Witnesses reported that workers took to the streets following the incident, which occurred on Sunday. They expressed their anger by setting several motorbikes and a private car on fire, leading to significant disruptions on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
Protesters claimed that the factory authorities denied the worker’s request for leave despite her deteriorating health, ultimately resulting in her death. They further alleged that the management was withholding the deceased worker’s body.
Iqbal Hasan, station master of Bhogra Modern Fire Service, confirmed that multiple vehicles were torched during the unrest. Firefighters, with support from law enforcement, were able to extinguish the fires.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, Ashok Kumar Pal, stated that they have yet to verify the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.
Traffic on the highway was restored around 10:15 am after law enforcement dispersed the protesters.
However, attempts to reach the Managing Director of Panorama Garments for a comment were unsuccessful.
