NARAYANGANJ: Tension mounted in Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) area of Siddhirganj Sunday as the angry workers of a sweater factory assaulted two members of the staff over pay hike.

Workers of Highline Sweater Factory went berserk in the morning over the issue of wage hike—a common demand of apparel workers in other industrial belts as well. They beat up a floor in-charge and another staff member and then put the main gate under lock and key at about 10am, factory sources said.

Siddhirganj thana OC SM Badrul Alam said after beating a number of staff members, including the floor in-charge, the agitated workers locked the main gate of the factory and staged demonstrations inside.

“We’ve talked to the workers and now the situation is under control. We’ll try to resolve the problem holding talks with the workers and owners’ sides,” the OC said.

The factory management could not be reached for comment.

Additional police have been deployed in front of the factory to avoid any further flare-up.

BDST: 15340 HRS, 4 JULY 2010