A tragic incident on Saturday morning has led to widespread unrest, as enraged Readymade Garments (RMG) workers have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway following the death of a female colleague. The victim, identified as Monira, aged 30, lost her life after being struck by a garbage truck belonging to the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) in the Kunia area of the city.
In the wake of the accident, infuriated workers took to the streets, venting their anger by vandalizing vehicles and setting the GCC garbage truck ablaze.
The lifeless body of Monira was recovered and transported to the morgue at Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, as confirmed by Gacha police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shah Alam.
Eyewitnesses and locals recounted the tragic incident, detailing how workers, on their way to offices in the Kunia area of Gazipur metropolis around 8:15 am, were confronted with the accident while crossing the highway.
News of the fatality quickly spread, prompting workers from nearby factories to block the highway in protest. The agitated crowd turned violent, resorting to pelting bricks and stones, resulting in damage to 10-15 vehicles, including the city corporation’s truck, which was set ablaze. Police and traffic authorities rushed to the scene to restore order.
Senior Station Officer Abu Muhammad Sajedul Kabir Joardar from Tongi Fire Station revealed that fire service personnel faced difficulties reaching the spot due to the ongoing clashes between workers and police on the highway.
Gacha police station OC Shah Alam assured that efforts were underway to regain control and manage the escalating situation. The incident highlights the urgent need for measures to address worker safety and prevent such tragedies in the future.
