Dhaka:Police have reported that leaders and activists from the banned Awami League (AL) and its associated organizations have infiltrated ongoing garment workers' protests, inciting violence to divert the movement from its intended path. The infiltrators, disguising themselves as laborers, are accused of creating unrest in various parts of the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, authorities have detained 19 individuals linked to banned organizations from the Mirpur area in Dhaka. These individuals are alleged to be involved in the workers' movement, with claims that their activities have led to instability.
Deputy Commissioner of Police's Mirpur Division, Hasan Mohammad Naser, stated that several activists from the banned Chhatra League were detained on charges of attempting to create instability within the movement. Social media activities of certain Chhatra League members, including Sajbul Islam, organizing secretary of the Jagannath University unit, have also come under scrutiny for posting content related to the protests.
Despite the government forming a minimum wage board to address workers' demands for a Tk 30,000 monthly minimum wage, protests continue across the country. Demonstrations have been particularly intense in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Tangail. Recently, protesters set fire to a police vehicle in Dhaka's Pallabi area, injuring three police personnel in Gazipur.
Chief of Industrial Police Gazi Jasim Uddin acknowledged the involvement of a third party in instigating the unrest. He emphasized that the government is working to resolve the issues through the wage board, but some groups persist with protests for ulterior motives.
Today's protests in Mirpur severely disrupted traffic, leading to the temporary suspension of operations at key metro rail stations. This decision aimed to restore order and ensure commuter safety but resulted in significant congestion and inconvenience for thousands of commuters.