Dhaka:Garment workers took to the streets in Dhaka and Gazipur, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000. The protests, which took place on Sunday, resulted in road blockades and clashes with police, significantly disrupting traffic in the areas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the demonstrations in Dhaka involved workers from several garment factories who blocked the Mirpur-10 intersection around 900 am. This action led to a traffic standstill on several connecting roads, including those from Mirpur-11 to Agargaon and Mirpur-2 to Mirpur-13. The situation escalated when police attempted to disperse the protesters, leading to clashes.
In Gazipur, workers blocked multiple points on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway, prompting clashes with police and causing most factories in the affected areas to suspend operations. The protests disrupted traffic at Palli Bidyut, Konabari, Bhogra, and Naojor, with demonstrators setting fire to tree logs and tyres on the roads. Police responded by firing tear gas and sound grenades after workers threw bricks and stones at them.
The unrest led to the closure of most garment factories along the stretch from Chandra Palli Bidyut to Konabari to prevent further violence. Clashes resulted in the vandalism of at least 15 vehicles, including a police vehicle. Authorities, including the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner, deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members to maintain order and public safety, with BGB personnel set to remain in the area until November 7.