At least five people working at a under construction coal-power plant in Chittagong were killed in a clash with the police following a protest by the workers over wage and allowances, media reports said on Saturday.

The incident happened when the protesting workers of the plant, which is being constructed by a Chinese firm, allegedly clashed with the police, “prompting the personnel to open fire in which five workers were killed,” the Dhaka Tribune reported.

“The violence broke out around 10:30 am at the coal-fired power plant. Five have died while at least 20 others were injured in the clash, including police and local residents,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying in the report.

The dead have been identified as Ahmed Reza, 18, Rony Hossain, 22, Shuvo, 24, Mohammad Rahat, 22, and Raihan, 18.

According to local residents, there was growing tension between the power plant administration and the workers at the power plant in the last few days over various issues.

The situation escalated on Saturday morning, leading to the clash between police and workers.

Speaking on the matter, Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General Anwar Hossain said the workers were protesting over the matter since Friday.

A meeting had been held over the issue but the agitating workers allegedly attacked the power plant during one point of their demonstration, he was quoted as saying by the Daily star.

Azizul Islam, inspector (investigation) of Banshkhali police station said the four bodies were sent to Banshkhali upazila health complex, the report said.

A worker, who sustained bullet injuries to his abdomen during the clash at a power plant in Banshkhali upazila on Saturday, died at Chittagong Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday night, raising the death toll to 6.

The deceased was identified as 23-year-old Shimul Ahmed, son of Abdul Malek of Srimangal in Moulvibazar district.

Zahirul Haque Bhuiya, in-charge of Chittagong Medical College and Hospital police outpost, said Shimul sustained bullet injuries to his abdomen and was undergoing treatment at the ICU of the hospital since Saturday. "He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday evening," he said.

His body has been kept at the mortuary of the hospital, said Zahirul.

Two cases have been filed against over 2,500 people in connection with Saturday's clash between workers and police at the coal-based power plant of the S Alam Group in Banshkhali over payment of dues, which left five people dead and 25 others injured on that day.