JMBF calls for the immediate formation of a judicial investigation committee, headed by a justice of the High Court Division, to thoroughly investigate the incident. We demand the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this gross violation of human rights and insist on swift and transparent judicial procedures to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF condemned the violence, stating, "The violent suppression of peaceful protest by law enforcement, leading to the death of Kausar Hossain Khan and the injury of many others, is an unacceptable violation of human rights. Workers have the right to demand fair treatment and decent working conditions, and this should never be met with violence. We call on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure accountability for this tragedy and to protect the rights of workers."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, also strongly condemned the incident stating, "The use of lethal force by law enforcement against protesting workers is a gross violation of their fundamental rights, as guaranteed by both national and international laws. We demand an immediate and impartial investigation into this incident, justice for the victims, and urgent reforms in the garment industry to prevent future tragedies. The workers’ demands for fair treatment, safety, and dignity must come before profit-driven motives."
JMBF urges the government of Bangladesh to take meaningful steps to address the persistent labor rights violations in the garment sector and put an end to the violent suppression of workers. Workers' rights must be respected, safeguarded, and upheld at all times. Additionally, JMBF calls on the authorities to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the victims and their families, alongside adequate compensation for their suffering.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France stands in solidarity with the workers and their families during this difficult time and will continue to monitor the developments concerning labor rights in Bangladesh’s garment industry.
Fact in Brief (Based on News Reports):
Kausar Hossain Khan, a sewing operator for Mango Tex Limited in the Tongibari area, died during a clash between protesters and law enforcers in Savar’s Ashulia. The incident occurred around 11 AM in front of the Mandul Group factory in the Jirabo area on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway on September 30, 2024.
Kausar’s body was brought to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar at approximately 12:55 PM. He had suffered a fatal bullet wound to the left side of his stomach. Two other workers, Rasel Mia and Nayan, both employed at the Natural Garments Factory in Tongibari, were also hospitalized with bullet wounds.
In total, around 50 workers were injured during the clashes with police, including those with bullet wounds. Among the injured were Habib, a worker at the Ashulia Natural Denims factory, and Najmul Hassan, a worker at the Natural Indigo factory. The identities of other injured individuals have not yet been confirmed.
The clash began after a meeting between Mandul Group owners, workers' representatives, and law enforcers failed to reach an agreement. As tensions rose, workers took up positions outside the factory, and soon, workers from other factories gathered in solidarity. A confrontation ensued between the workers and law enforcers, with law enforcers carrying out a baton charge that reportedly injured around 50 workers. The workers claim this escalated tensions further, leading the police to open fire in an attempt to control the situation.
Garment workers reported that there were no protests in the morning, and all workers were at their stations. However, when workers from the Mandul Group began their protest outside the factory, others joined in solidarity. Workers from several other factories participated in the protest. Law enforcers allegedly responded by charging at the workers with batons, and at one point, opened fire, injuring two people in the leg. Many other workers were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals.
Thank you
Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus
Coordinator & Executive Member
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org; Website: www.jmbf.org
******************************************************************************* JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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