A worker was killed in a clash between police and workers at the Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari on Tuesday morning.

The deceased worker has been identified as Habib Islam, 32, son of Dulal Hossain from Kazirhat in Songolshi Union, Nilphamari Sadar.

Protesting workers said they have been demonstrating for two days, demanding an end to layoffs by Evergreen, a company located in Uttara EPZ, among other demands. On Monday night, the company suddenly issued a closure notice. Following this, thousands of angry workers locked the main gate of the EPZ at 9:00 am on Tuesday, escalating the situation.

Repeated clashes occurred between law enforcement personnel and the workers, turning the entire area into a battlefield. When news of the worker’s death spread, the workers became even more agitated, leading to a complete blockade of the Nilphamari-Syedpur road.

Tanzirul Islam Farhan, a doctor in the emergency department of Nilphamari General Hospital, said Habib was brought to the hospital dead. He had a minor wound on his chest, and further details cannot be provided without a post-mortem report. In addition, eight more workers are receiving treatment at the hospital for injuries.

Repeated attempts to contact Nilphamari Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, M R Saeed, regarding the matter were unsuccessful, as he did not answer his phone.