Share

Bangladesh interrogates arson suspects

Dhaka - The authorities on Sunday launched an investigation into suspected arson attacks at one of the largest garment factories in Bangladesh that produces clothing for Western retailers.

Labour and Employment Minister Mosharraf Hossain said: "Exemplary punishment will be a handed down to culprits responsible for the blaze. We suspect it was an act of sabotage." 

Hossain spoke a day after the Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association expressed concern over what it called a state of impunity for acts of destruction at factories.

The government named three committees to probe Friday's fire at the nine-storey building of Standard Garments, located 30km north of Dhaka.

The factory produced clothing for North American and European firms such as Wal-Mart, Gap and British retailer Marks and Spencer.

The blaze broke out just before midnight after workers confronted police over a wage dispute in front of the factory amid rumours that a worker had been killed in the clash.

The workers were demanding a monthly wage increase of about $66, about 77% more than the current starting salary at the country's numerous clothing factories.

State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque said the police had been interrogating at least 20 suspects detained so far.

"We will find the culprits who will face justice," Haque said.

The garment industry accounts for nearly 80% of the country's export earnings.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders