In relation to a violent altercation that occurred last week in Rupganj between ready-made garment (RMG) workers and combined forces, a labour leader has been placed under arrest. Around 1:30 am on Wednesday, 16th April, Selim Mahmud, the central general secretary of the Garments Sramik Front, the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal’s workers’ wing, was arrested at his home in Fatullah.
According to Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Liaquat Ali, the incident occurred on 9th April at the Robintex factory, where clashes erupted between workers and law enforcement, resulting in at least 40 injuries. Following the unrest, both the factory management and police filed separate cases, naming 66 individuals and implicating around 300 unnamed participants.
Selim Mahmud has been formally charged in both cases and was remanded to jail following a court appearance earlier today. Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Islam reported that a total of 19 individuals have been arrested to date in relation to the incident.
In response to the arrest, leaders and supporters of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal organized a protest march outside the Narayanganj Press Club, calling for the immediate release of Selim Mahmud and other detained factory workers.
