Cracks in buildings at Ashulia

A day after a multi-storeyed building collapsed at Savar killing over 150 people, cracks were noticed in at least three more buildings that housed ready-made garment factories at Ashulia and Savar.

Most of the factories located at Ashulia belt were soon closed down for the day as the panic-stricken workers came out of their work places and started protesting.

“News of cracks first came from Tarabagh’s Matsuka Apparells and Tangabari’s Mondal Fashions Limited. Workers of these factories came out of the buildings in panic,” Ashulia Industrial Police Assistant Director Moniruzzaman told bdnews24.com.

Meanwhile, police also confirmed that cracks have also surfaced in another building at Savar’s Subhanbagh area that housed Fateha Knitwear Limited.

A closure notice was soon put up in the factory, Savar Police Station Sub Inspector Abdul Jalil said.

Fire Service and Civil Defence and local authorities were immediately informed about the cracks, the factory’s Administrative Officer Shamsuddoha Titu said.

“All workers have been evacuated with the help from police,” he added.

After closure of Matsuka Apparells and Mondal Fashions in Ashulia, workers of these factories and others grouped at Jamgarah area and began protests, bdnews24.com Correspondent at the scene reported.

Industrial police ‘later persuaded the protesting workers to leave the area, Assistant Director Moniruzzaman said.

However, protest attempts were on in several areas of Ashulia compelling authorities to shut down ‘most’ of the garment units located there, Industrial Police Inspector Farhad Hossain said.

There are more than 250 RMG units in Ashulia belt.