Clash at Uttara EPZ in Nilphamari Over Factory Closure, One Worker Killed

A violent clash broke out between workers and law enforcement personnel at Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari due to a factory closure and layoffs. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning around 9:30 AM in front of the EPZ’s main road, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to at least 10 others.

The deceased worker has been identified as Habibur Rahman (20), an employee of Iku International, a knitting factory. His home is in Kajirhat village, Sangalshi Union, Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, and his father’s name is Dulal Uddin.

According to Habibur’s elder brother, Ashikur Rahman, “Habibur was on night duty at the factory. He was shot and killed while leaving the EPZ this morning after completing his shift.” Sources indicate that tensions had been simmering at the EPZ following the layoff of 51 workers from Evergreen, a factory within the zone. The situation escalated when the factory announced an indefinite closure without clearing workers’ salaries and allowances, posting a notice at the EPZ’s main gate. On Tuesday morning, around 8:00 AM, workers arriving for their shifts saw the notice and were denied entry. They gathered on the road in front of the EPZ, blocking the Nilphamari-Saidpur highway. Army and police personnel arrived to disperse the workers, leading to a confrontation. The agitated workers reportedly attacked the law enforcement officials, sparking a clash. During the violence, Habibur Rahman was shot and killed on the spot, and 10 others were injured. The injured workers were taken to Nilphamari General Hospital. Dr. Farhan Tanvirul Islam, a doctor in the hospital’s emergency department, confirmed that Habibur Rahman was brought to the hospital dead around 8:30 AM. Six of the injured workers were admitted for treatment. Regarding the cause of death, he stated that a definitive conclusion would be reached after the autopsy. The admitted workers are Mominur Rahman (25), Md. Shahin (26), Nur Alam (30), Mostak Ahmed (25), Lipi Akter (26), and Jamila Khatun (35). Repeated attempts to contact Mohammad Abdul Jabbar, the executive director of Uttara EPZ, were unsuccessful as he did not answer his phone. Nilphamari Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC), MR Saeed, told Prothom Alo around 11:30 AM, “We are still at the scene. We’ve heard through word of mouth that one person has died, but we cannot confirm this yet.”