National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Friday demanded an impartial investigation into the death of garment worker Toufik Hossain, 21, who was critically injured during wage protests in Gazipur, and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Nahid made the demands during a visit to Toufik's ancestral home in Gaibandha, where he stood alongside the worker's wife and only son.

Toufik died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Shin Shin Japan Hospital in Uttara, Dhaka.

Nahid said the state must take responsibility for the family and provide compensation in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and international standards. He questioned how the worker had died and who was responsible, saying his family had received his body without knowing the circumstances of his death.

“Who will take responsibility for his death? A worker's life also has value. It cannot be worth just one or two lakh taka,” he said.

He said compensation should reflect the wages Toufik would have earned had he lived, rather than being limited to a one-time payment of one or two lakh taka.

Questioning whether the two lakh taka or slightly more reportedly paid by the company could compensate for the loss, Nahid said no amount of money could bring back a life or restore a father to his child.

“His child will never see his father again. Can anyone give that back?” he said.

Nahid said Toufik's family had no land or permanent home and had moved to Dhaka several years ago, where they struggled to make ends meet on his modest earnings.

Turning to the ongoing labour unrest, Nahid called on the government to meet the workers' demands without delay and refrain from using police or BNP activists to suppress or assault protesters.

“A wage board has been formed, and we want to see the announcement made as soon as possible,” he said, urging the authorities to ensure that no worker was dismissed or forced out of a garment factory for taking part in the protests.

He said workers were taking to the streets for legitimate demands, particularly higher wages, at a time when government employees' salaries and the prices of essential goods and fuel were rising.

“Why should workers' wages not increase? They are demonstrating democratically and for legitimate reasons,” he said.

Recalling the July uprising, Nahid said many workers had also lost their lives while standing alongside students, adding that every government had a responsibility to ensure workers' rights.

“Our procession of dead bodies is only growing longer,” he said.

Nahid reiterated the demand for an investigation to identify those responsible for Toufik's death and bring them to justice.

He said the NCP would support the family within its capacity, particularly by helping with the education of Toufik's son. He also urged party members in Gaibandha and Gobindaganj to remain in contact with the family and look after them.