The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Bandarban

A policeman was killed and seven rubber-garden workers were injured by bullet in a clash at Baishari in Naikhyangchhari upazila of the hill district yesterday morning.

Local sources said the workers of a rubber garden under PHP group had long been struggling for wage hike and other facilities. They had been on work abstention for about one month to press home their demands.

A clash ensued today between rival workers when one group joined their work following an understanding with the owners.

Abul, manager of the PHP Group which owns the rubber garden, called in police when the workers began demonstrations at about 7:30 am.

"At one stage, police opened fire on the agitated workers to bring the situation under control, leaving seven of them injured," says a report from the far-flung area.

Policeman Bacchu Alam, who was fatally injured in beating with stick by the workers, was rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 7:30 pm.

Five of the injured workers - Nurul Hakim, Jamal Ahmed, Uthoyai Ching Chak, Kathoyai Ching Chak and Saber Hossain - were admitted to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.

BDR teams rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Police Super M Shamsuddin told newsmen that BDR were deployed at the garden to avert further trouble.

Deputy Commissioner Moudud AK Qaium Chowdhury said, "Action would be taken against the responsible persons after investigation of the incident."