In Tongi’s Millgate, there have been allegations against the police of firing on the workers without any provocation who were simply gathered in the streets demanding Eid holidays. In this incident, at least 12 people were injured. All the injured are workers of a readymade garment factory of Hamim Group.

According to news media reports, the workers stopped work and gathered at Tongi Millgate demanding additional leave on Eid. At that time, the police suddenly came and started beating the workers and as a result, one of them got severely injured on the head. When asked why they were being treated in such a manner, the police became more aggressive, charging batons and firing shots. It is also learned that the workers have worked on three off-days in the hope of additional holidays on Eid. The workers wanted an additional four days leave. When the owners rejected their demand, the workers stopped work and took to the streets. The injured workers were first treated at Tongi Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) strongly condemns such aggressive behavior of the police with the workers. ASK thinks that it is a heinous act to shoot and beat the workers in this way without trying to solve the problem through peaceful talks. Often, law enforcement forces choose to use force as the only alternative to any protest or gathering, which is by no means acceptable. ASK demands the police administration to give instructions to the law enforcement agencies on an urgent basis not to use force in this way. ASK also calls for medical treatment and compensation for the affected workers.

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