Workers protesting over unpaid wages set fire to a chemical warehouse of BigBoss, a garment factory in Kashimpur, Gazipur, on Wednesday.
Upon receiving the report, firefighters rushed to the scene but were forced to retreat as enraged workers prevented them from accessing the fire.
Kashimpur Police Station's Inspector (Investigation), Mohiuddin Ahmed, said that workers from several factories, including those of the Beximco Group, were protesting for their unpaid wages. During the protest, workers vandalized and attacked several factories, including setting fire to the BigBoss factory.
Eyewitnesses reported that the workers began their protest early in the morning, blocking roads as part of their wage demands. By 11:30 am, an agitated group set fire to the BigBoss factory and positioned themselves with sticks.
Deputy Assistant Director of the Gazipur Fire Service, Abdullah Al Arefin, said that two units were dispatched to the scene. However, protesters vandalized one of their vehicles, forcing the firefighters to withdraw.
The fire service has requested army assistance to secure the area and allow them to return to contain the blaze.
Wahed Khan, the storekeeper of BigBoss Corporation Limited, stated that the protesting workers vandalized several factories before setting fire to the BigBoss warehouse, which contained valuable fabrics. He also noted that nearby shops and residences were at risk.
