A readymade garment worker was shot dead in Ashulia, while four others were injured during clashes between labourers and law enforcers following protests on Monday.

The incident occurred around 11:30 am in front of the Mandal Group factory on the Tongi-Ashulia EPZ road.

The deceased has been identified as Kawsar Hossain Khan, a 27-year-old factory worker at Mango Tex Limited in Zirabo.

Initially, two individuals were reported among the injured: Habib, a worker at Natural Denims, and Nazmul Hasan, a worker at Natural Indigo Factory.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, while the owners discussed the demands of Mandal Group workers in the Zirabo area of the Tongi-Ashulia EPZ road under army oversight, some outsiders spread false rumours about the deaths of two workers and gathered outside the factory.

Workers from other factories soon began to assemble at the scene, leading to a standoff with law enforcement.

Meanwhile, two outsiders fired at the factory from outside, shattering the building’s windows and damaging furniture.

In response, law enforcement members arrived at the scene, positioning themselves at the base of the factory.

Tensions escalated as law enforcement and workers confronted the outsiders, resulting in some vehicles belonging to the law enforcement forces being vandalised by both the outsiders and the workers.

When several law enforcement personnel and workers were seriously injured, the affected workers were taken to local PMK Hospital and Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar.

The duty doctor at Enam Medical declared Kawsar Hossain Khan dead.

A BGMEA statement indicated that eleven members of law enforcement injured during the encounter are receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.

BGMEA expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the workers.

The trade body also stated that the family of the deceased worker has been given Tk 5 lakh in compensation, and all dues will be promptly paid in accordance with labour law.