US calls for investigation into the murder of Labour leader in Bangladesh

The United States Department of Labour has condemned the murder of Shahidul Islam, a labour leader from Bangladesh. Shahidul Islam was the Gazipur unit president of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation.

He was killed on June 25 in Gazipur when he was negotiating demands of the factory workers of Gazipur with the mill owners.

Garment Sector workers in Dhaka, Savar, Chattogram and other cities on Tuesday protested against the murder of Shahidul Islam. They alleged that he was killed by the goons of the factory owners. The Garment Workers Trade Union Centre demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to the culprits.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has also called upon the government to ensure proper investigation into the murder of the labour leader and punishment of those involved in the murder.

The US Department of Labour has called for a thorough and independent investigation and for the protection and advancement of Union Leaders’ human and labour rights.

There are conflicting reports in the local media and the official version of the case. According to reports the labour leader was attacked by some people allegedly from the side of the mill owner. However, the police said that they have arrested a key accused in the case and that the attack took place due to a fight between rival labour organisations.