Gazipur:Garment workers in Gazipur blocked several points along the Dhaka-Tangail Highway on Sunday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000. The protests led to clashes with police and resulted in the suspension of operations at most factories in the affected areas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the workers staged demonstrations and blockades in areas such as Palli Bidyut, Konabari, Bhogra, and Naojor. This disrupted traffic on the highway, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and drivers. The situation escalated when police fired tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators, who retaliated by throwing bricks and stones. The protesters also set fire to tree logs and tires, resulting in ongoing clashes at various points.
Amid the unrest, authorities announced the closure of most garment factories from Chandra Palli Bidyut to Konabari to prevent further violence. The latest wave of protests began on Sunday morning, following several days of demonstrations and work stoppages over the wage demand. Law enforcement and local sources reported that workers had already blocked the highway on Saturday, leading to a halt in traffic and prompting police to use sound grenades and tear gas.
During the violence, at least 15 vehicles, including a police vehicle, were vandalized. To prevent further issues, authorities closed at least 20 factories between Konabari and Chandra Palli Bidyut. On Sunday morning, the protests resumed, with workers blocking multiple points on the highway and engaging in clashes with police.
Superintendent of Police of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 Mohammad Amjad Hossain confirmed that most factories in the area were closed to avert further incidents. Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan stated that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were deployed in industrial areas to maintain order, alongside other law enforcement agencies. The deployment, supervised by five executive magistrates, will continue in several areas until November 7, covering regions such as Chandra, Palli Bidyut, Safipur, Konabari, Mouchak, Naojor, and Bhogra Bypass.