Nilphamari Correspondent:

All 24 factories at Nilphamari’s Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) remained shut on Wednesday following violent clashes that left one worker dead and several others injured.

The unrest flared up on Tuesday when workers of Evergreen BD, a wig manufacturing unit, demonstrated over the termination of 51 employees and a sudden closure notice issued the previous night.

As protests intensified, police and security forces tried to disperse workers at the EPZ gate, triggering clashes. Habib Islam, 20, an employee of Eku International Knitting Factory, was killed while at least seven others, including two women, were injured.

Nilphamari Civil Surgeon’s office confirmed that three of the injured were transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital with bullet wounds, while the rest were admitted to Nilphamari General Hospital. Police said Habib’s family buried him Tuesday night without an autopsy.

District Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman said a meeting was held with the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, EPZ authorities, Evergreen management, political parties and labour leaders.

“A committee will look into the workers’ 23-point demand, and justified grievances will be addressed. Evergreen has already provided Tk2 lakh as initial compensation to Habib’s family and committed to supporting the injured,” he told reporters.

Law enforcement officials said two Ansar members, seven police personnel, four army members and one BEPZA official were also hurt in the clashes. Additional police, army, and two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh have been deployed in the area.

Uttara EPZ Executive Director Mohammad Abdul Jabbar said in a notice that all factories were closed from Wednesday noon, with a decision on reopening expected Thursday after reviewing the situation. “We are trying to reach an understanding through talks with worker representatives,” he added.

Authorities said another meeting with labour leaders and political representatives is likely Wednesday evening, which could clear the way for production to resume.