At least 50 people including three policemen were injured in clashes between police and workers of different garment factories over payment of salaries and dues in front of the Secretariat on Tuesday.
Quoting witnesses, Mohammad Khalid Mansur, officer-in-charge of Shahbagh Police Station, said 500 workers of different garment factories including TNZ Apparels, Apparel Plus Echo Ltd, Roar Fashion Ltd, Style Craft Garments and others brought out a procession from Jatiya Press Club at noon, demanding payment of salary, Eid Bonus and maternity leave.
When they tried to march towards the Labour Ministry, police obstructed them at Link Road near the Secretariat, triggering a clash.
They also hurled brick chips targeting police, forcing the law enforcers to fire sound grenades and lobbed tear gas shells, leaving 50 people including three policemen injured.
At one stage, they were dispersed from the spot.
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Vehicular movement in Paltan intersection and its adjacent areas came to a halt following the sporadic clashes between police and workers.
Three policemen were injured and they were taken to a hospital, said OC Khalid.
Ruhul Amin, general secretary of Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers Union, claimed that 40 workers were injured during the violence.
He also threatened to continue their movements until their demands are met.