Chittagong: At least 40 people, including several cops, were injured in a clash between police and garment workers in New Market area of the port city Chittagong on Wednesday.

Kotowali Police Officer-in-charge Jashim Uddin said a supervisor of Ashian Apparels in Kathotoli area under Pahartoli thana reproached some female workers on Tuesday for their negligence in duty.

Protesting the incident, the garment workers took position in front of the factory adjacent to New Market area in the morning.

A clash ensued between the garment workers and police when police tried to drive the agitated workers away from the area. The workers also vandalised some vehicles plying on the road and threw brick chips towards police.

Police fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control which left over 40 garment workers injured.

Meanwhile, several policemen, including Abdur Rahim, assistant commissioner of Kotowali Zone, were injured during the clash.

Police detained at least 40 garment workers in connection with the clash.