Bangladesh textile workers go on rampage; many hurt

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (Reuters) - Hundreds of textile workers armed with sticks and stones clashed with police in the Bangladesh port city Chittagong on Sunday, demanding higher pay and overtime payments.

Witnesses said the workers also attacked textile factories, forcing authorities to shut down more than 20 premises at an industrial zone near Chittagong.

They said many workers were injured in running battles with police.

"Sporadic clashes are still continuing," a witness said.

Labour unrest in the textile industry has been growing despite a state of emergency imposed since an army-backed interim government took over in January last year.

It banned all protests as well as political activities.

The protesters said they would defy the ban as they face serious economic hardships, largely caused by rocketing prices of food and other commodities.

They also complained of getting less than a 1,600 taka ($24) minimum monthly wage agreed last year among factory owners, labour unions and the government.

Garments are Bangladesh's biggest export, bringing in more than $9 billion a year. The country has some 4,000 garment factories, employing around 2.2 million workers, mostly women.

(Reporting by Nazimuddin Shyamol)