Dhaka, Oct 31 (V7N) — In a dramatic turn of events, garment workers protesting for various demands in the Kachukhet area of Mirpur-14 clashed with security forces, leading to the torching of army and police vehicles. The confrontation occurred around 10 am on Thursday, causing the area to become a virtual battleground and halting traffic.

According to eyewitnesses, the garment workers gathered on Mirpur-14’s Kachukhet Road to voice their demands, blocking the road in protest. Security forces, including police and army personnel, attempted to mediate and disperse the protesters. However, the situation escalated when the workers began throwing bricks and stones at the officers. The police responded with a lathi charge for self-defense. In the ensuing chaos, the protesters reportedly vandalised and set fire to vehicles belonging to the police and army.

The fire was quickly addressed by fire service units dispatched to the scene. Fire service control room duty officer Lima Khanom confirmed, “We received reports of fires in police and army vehicles at Kachukhet. Two of our units reached the site and successfully extinguished the flames.”

Shah Mohammad Faisal, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhashantek Police Station, stated, "We have been on-site since morning to maintain control. The garment workers, during their protest, suddenly began throwing bricks at the police and army. Later, they set fire to vehicles. The situation is now somewhat under control, with both army and police personnel stationed in the area."

As of now, tensions remain high, and the area is under heavy surveillance to prevent further escalations.

END/MSS/AJ