Gazipur:Garment workers staged demonstrations and blocked highways and major roads in Gazipur, Savar, and Narayanganj for the second consecutive day on Monday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000. The protests have led to the shutdown of over 200 factories.
According to United News of Bangladesh, at least two vehicles, including a police vehicle, were set on fire in Gazipur and Savar. A Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member and an Industrial Police officer were injured during clashes with the workers. Despite the unrest, the government had formed a six-member minimum wage board on Sunday to review the wage structure for garment workers amid widespread protests.
In Gazipur, hundreds of workers from various factories took to the streets, staging protests in areas such as Konabari, Mouchak, Palli Bidyut, and others. They blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Highway, halting vehicular movement. Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan stated that the protesters were dispersed after several confrontations with law enforcement agencies, and normal traffic resumed around 10 am. However, demonstrations continued in other parts of the city, with sections of the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways blocked.
Around noon, protesters set fire to a police vehicle on the Naojor Flyover. A BGB member was injured by bricks thrown by protesters. Hiron Mia from the Chowrasta Modern Fire Service mentioned that their efforts to reach the fire were obstructed by protesters. Vandalism was reported in various parts of the city. To maintain order, 10 platoons of BGB personnel were deployed in Gazipur, working under the supervision of 21 executive magistrates.
In Savar, workers from several garment factories demonstrated on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, leading to clashes. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shoaeb Ahmed of Industrial Police-1 was injured. A Ha-Meem Group van was set on fire while refueling. Authorities of around 100 factories in Savar declared a general holiday as protests disrupted production.
In Narayanganj, workers blocked the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road, disrupting traffic. Additional police were deployed to manage the situation.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to protect workers' interests while maintaining production and exports in the apparel sector. He warned of strict action against those causing violence or disorder. Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury urged workers to return to work, announcing the formation of a minimum wage board.