Police and witnesses said four garment units in the DEPZ began work stoppage in the morning to press home 11-point demand of the workers.

Sources said the clash ensued between the workers and the authorities of A-One Factory over the demands that include pay hike, payment of arrears and other working facilities.

"The workers first pressed their foreign owners to meet their demands during work stoppage. As the owners didn't respond, the workers attacked their officers," the sources said.

As the authorities retaliated, a chase and counter-chase between the two sides continued the whole day in the EPZ area, leaving over 50 injured.

On information, Rab and police rushed to the spot, but failed to bring the situation under control.

A TV channel's Savar correspondent was assaulted as he tried to cover the rioting in the EPZ area. Police rescued Zahidur Rahman, who works for Ntv, from the wrath of angry workers.

General Manager of the A-One firm, Hannan, Production Manager Jewel and workers Rassell, Monju, Anwar, Halim, Polash, Rahim, Alamgir, Minu, Sabina, Sapna, and Shirin, were among, those injured.

In the meantime, the workers of three other factories--Youngone, Soft Text and Honourway--also started work stoppage when they came to know that the Chinese-owned garment factory, Shine Fashion, had met all the 11-point demand of its workers.

The angry workers of Youngone went on the rampage and damaged part of the factory. They continued demonstration in the factory to realise their demands until 6:00pm.

EPZ security personnel didn't allow journalists in the exclusive economic zone, where the worst unrest occurred last week and sent waves of violence through the industrial belt in and around the capital.