Garment Workers Continue Protests Demanding Tk 30,000 Minimum Wage; Tense Situation in Gazipur and Ashulia

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Garment factory workers have once again taken to the streets in Gazipur, blocking roads and staging demonstrations to demand a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, along with several other demands.

On Tuesday (November 3) morning, workers gathered and blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Highway in the Naojor area, bringing traffic movement to a halt. Members of law enforcement agencies were seen attempting to persuade the protesters to leave the road and restore normal traffic.

Amid continued unrest in the industrial areas, the administration has strengthened security measures. The number of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel and executive magistrates deployed in Gazipur has been increased to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.

The number of BGB platoons has been raised from 10 to 11, while the number of executive magistrates has increased from 21 to 25.

Md. Arif Hossain, Assistant Commissioner of the Media and Research Cell at the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner's Office, confirmed the information.

According to police sources, workers from Divine and Interstoff factories attempted to block roads after joining work in the Chandra area on Tuesday morning. Police later dispersed them. At the same time, workers in the Mouchak area also attempted to block the Dhaka-Tangail Highway. Members of law enforcement agencies intervened and removed them from the road.

Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Md. Amzad Hossain said workers had attempted to block the highway in the Mouchak area in the morning, but police managed to clear the road.

Meanwhile, workers in several areas of Ashulia have also continued their demonstrations by blocking roads. Due to security concerns and the possibility of further unrest, authorities of most garment factories in the area have announced temporary closures.

Earlier, demonstrations spread across several areas of Gazipur, including Konabari, Kashimpur, Mouchak, Safipur, Chandra and Pallibidyut, from Sunday and Monday mornings.

Road blockades at different locations disrupted traffic on the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

During the demonstrations, clashes involving workers and law enforcement personnel were reported at several locations. Reports also emerged of a police box being set on fire in the Konabari area, while incidents of arson were reported at different locations in the Pallibidyut area. Several vehicles were also reportedly vandalised.

To bring the situation under control, police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades. BGB personnel were subsequently deployed in the industrial areas to strengthen security and prevent further incidents.

Several workers and members of law enforcement agencies were injured in clashes, arson attacks and vandalism linked to the protests. There were also reports of several people being detained in connection with the incidents.

With workers continuing their demonstrations, the situation in the industrial areas of Gazipur and Ashulia remains tense. An atmosphere of uncertainty and apprehension prevails around factories, highways and surrounding neighbourhoods as authorities attempt to restore normalcy.