Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

In Fatullah, Narayanganj, angry workers attacked and vandalized two garment factories, Mother Color and RS Garments, following a minor incident. The unrest occurred on Sunday (January 19) in the Shasongao area. Upon receiving the news, police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intervened, dispersing the workers.

Shahnewaz, Assistant Admin Manager of Mother Color Garments, explained that an operator named Ripon had been absent from work for four days. On Saturday, January 18, line supervisor Mizan scolded him for his absence, which angered Ripon, leading to a physical altercation. Later that evening, Ripon, along with other workers, attacked Mizan again.

The factory management summoned both parties to discuss the matter, but rumors spread among workers that Ripon was being assaulted and held captive by the owners. This escalated tensions, prompting management to declare a holiday.

On Sunday morning, some workers entered the Mother Color factory while most remained outside, expressing their grievances. The angry workers then rallied nearby Best Style Garments workers and called on RS Garments workers to join their protest. However, RS Garments workers resisted, leading to a clash with brick-throwing and chaos between the two groups.

Amid the confrontation, angry workers stormed into the Mother Color factory, causing extensive damage. The unrest prompted management to declare holidays for several nearby factories, including Best Style and Mother Color.

Law enforcement, including a magistrate-led team of police, BGB, and army personnel, arrived to secure the area. Industrial Police Superintendent Asaduzzaman stated that the situation is now under control.

Auto-Rickshaw Driver Killed in N’ganj Truck Accident, Road Blockade

An auto-rickshaw driver, Asad Mia, was killed in a truck accident in Bandar, Narayanganj. Three passengers were also injured in the incident, which occurred on Sunday morning near the Bandar bus stand.

Enraged locals blocked the road with tree trunks, halting traffic in both directions. Police arrived and brought the situation under control. The deceased, 50-year-old Asad Mia, was the son of late Amir Hossain from Purana Bandar.

According to police and eyewitnesses, the truck collided with the auto-rickshaw as it was traveling from Madanganj to Madanpur. Asad died on the spot, and three passengers were injured and taken to the Bandar Upazila Health Center for treatment.

The truck sped away immediately after the incident. Bandar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tariqul Islam said the body has been sent to Narayanganj General Hospital for autopsy, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the truck driver.

Women flock to aluminum product stalls at DITF

At the 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair, aluminum household products have drawn significantly larger crowds compared to other stalls and pavilions. Sales of aluminum items have increased this year.

Buyers stated that the variety of products at the fair exceeds what is available in the market, prompting them to visit these stalls. However, opinions on pricing and quality are mixed.

A tour of the fair revealed shelves filled with aluminum cookware and other household items in new and eye-catching designs. These products attracted mostly female visitors, with shoppers of all ages exploring the items to meet their needs.

Popular products included pressure cookers, rice cookers, induction stoves, and non-stick frying pans. Importers offered discounts on packages of 10 to 20 items, including microwaves, pressure cookers, and washing machines. Domestic brands like Kiam, SKB, Topper, Noah, and RFL Cookstar also announced discounts and gifts.

SKB Cookware introduced three-tier steel household products manufactured by SA Steel, which have gained popularity over the past two years despite being more expensive.

Sales representatives noted that most items are being sold at wholesale prices with special discounts. Buyers commented on the opportunity to find genuine products at the fair.

However, some visitors criticized the presence of low-quality goods and local items marketed as foreign products.

The 24th trade fair features 46 companies from seven countries. The fair is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with ticket prices set at 50 BDT for adults and 25 BDT for children. For the first time, tickets are available online.