Dhaka:More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mirpur to maintain law and order amid ongoing protests by garment workers, stated Md Mahidul Islam, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner (acting) of Crime Prevention (North).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahidul informed journalists that the situation was currently stable, with workers unable to take to the streets and several factories resuming production.
Police have been strategically stationed in key areas such as Mirpur-1, Mirpur-10 Pallabi, Rupnagar, Mirpur-12, and Kafrul. Additional support is being provided by members of the Special Response Battalion (SRB), Armed Police Battalion (APBN), Detective Branch (DB), and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC), along with other intelligence agencies.
Mahidul also mentioned that several arrests have been made and cases filed in connection with road blockades, vandalism, damage to state property, and public disruption. He assured that innocent individuals are being released and emphasized the police's commitment to preventing harassment of workers and pedestrians.
He attributed the unrest to an unnamed group accused of instigating workers and engaging in destructive activities. Those involved in acts of sabotage, factory arson, and vehicle vandalism will face justice. Regarding the workers’ wage demands, Mahidul noted that a wage board has been established, and efforts are underway to enhance workers’ benefits.