Police rescue 27 child workers after murder of boy in Bangladesh factory

Police in Narayanganj have rescued 27 child workers from a factory after a co-worker was murdered by pumping air into his rectum.

Jobeda Textile in Rupganj was raided and the children were rescued on Monday, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Jakaria said.

The rescued children were handed over to their families, he said.

Ten-year-old Sagar Barman was declared dead on Sunday afternoon after he was brought in to the DMCH.

Police said the boy’s co-workers at the Jabeda Textile inserted a high-pressure nozzle into his rectum and pumped air into the abdomen.

Post-mortem examination also found air in his belly as the cause of death.

The compound of Jobeda Textile also houses Ekhlas Spinning Mill and Azharul Spinning Mill.

ASP Jakaria said around 1,200 children are among the more then 4,500 people who work in the three factories.

“We will take step after investigating the matter.”

Narayanganj Citizens’ Committee General Secretary Abdur Rahman said the owners of the factories collect child workers from around the country through agents.

“The child workers are given very insignificant amount of wage,” he said.

The committee demanded exemplary punishment of Sagar’s murderers.

“We also demand punishment of those involved in child labour,” Adur Rahman said.

Mozammel Haque Bhuyian, the managing director of the factory, did not receive calls for comments.