Security Tightened in Narayanganj Amid Garment Workers' Protests; Two BGB Platoons Deployed in Chashara

PNN News Desk | Narayanganj

Security has been strengthened across Narayanganj amid ongoing garment workers' protests demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000. To maintain law and order and prevent further unrest, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed in the Chashara area of the city.

Additional police personnel have also been deployed at important locations, while members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations have been seen maintaining a cautious presence at several key points.

From Tuesday (November 3) morning, increased activity by law enforcement agencies was observed in different parts of the district. Officials were seen communicating with workers in an effort to ease tensions and prevent any untoward incidents.

Earlier, on Monday, garment workers blocked the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in the Shibu Market area from around 12:00 noon until 4:30 pm.

During the demonstration, workers set tyres on fire on the road as part of their protest, bringing traffic movement to a halt. The blockade caused considerable suffering for passengers, commuters and pedestrians travelling along the route.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing labour unrest, law enforcement personnel took positions at several important locations across the district from Tuesday morning to prevent further disorder.

Local BNP leaders said they were remaining alert to ensure that no one could exploit the workers' movement to damage factories, vehicles or public property.

Members of the BNP and its affiliated organisations were seen gathering in front of the Fatullah Union BNP office along the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road. The gathering was led by Abul Kalam, a member of parliament from Narayanganj-5.

Speaking to the media, Abul Kalam alleged that attempts had been made over the past several days to disrupt the country's law and order situation.

He further claimed that defeated political forces and underground groups were involved in various conspiracies ahead of December.

Regarding the workers' demands, he said that legitimate grievances could be resolved through discussions and negotiations.

However, he alleged that those attempting to create instability under the cover of the workers' movement were not genuine workers.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) of Narayanganj District Police, Tarek Al Mehedi, said the overall situation in the district had remained normal since morning.

He said additional police personnel had been deployed at important points to prevent any form of disorder and maintain public safety.

Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir said BGB personnel had been deployed across the district to maintain law and order.

He added that members of the SRB, police and other security agencies were also performing duties at different locations along major roads.

With garment workers continuing to demand higher wages and protests spreading across several industrial areas, authorities in Narayanganj remain on alert to prevent further escalation of the situation.