Garment workers in Kaliakair, Gazipur, blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for the second consecutive day on Sunday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000.
Workers took position on the highway in the Safipur area of the upazila around 8:30am, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
The demonstrators initially reported to their respective factories in the morning before walking out and taking position on the highway. Workers from several nearby factories later joined the protest.
Due to the situation, authorities declared holidays at eight to 10 nearby factories. A police box was set on fire in Konabari, Prothom Alo reports.
Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were deployed along the Gazipur section of the highway following the unrest and clashes to help maintain security and bring the situation under control.
Industrial Police said five platoons of BGB personnel have initially been deployed. They are scheduled to remain on duty until 7 November.
Mohammad Amjad Hossain, Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, said BGB personnel would work alongside Industrial Police in Konabari, Safipur, Kaliakair and surrounding areas. The number of deployed BGB personnel would be adjusted as necessary, depending on the situation.
The workers said their wages must be increased in line with rising prices of essential commodities and the cost of living. They are demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000, saying their current salaries have made it increasingly difficult to support their families.
Labour unrest has continued to fuel concern and instability across Gazipur’s industrial areas.
Speaking to TIMES about the situation, Md Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kaliakair Police Station, said at least 30 people had been injured in the workers’ protests on Saturday.
He added that the workers’ demonstration had continued since 8:30am on Sunday. Police remained on alert to keep the situation under control, while necessary measures were being taken to maintain law and order in the area.
On Saturday, workers blocked the highway in the Chandra Palli Bidyut area over the same demand. The demonstration, which began around noon, spread to Chandra, Palli Bidyut, Safipur, Mouchak and Konabari. Workers clashed with police several times, while incidents of chasing and counter-chasing were also reported.
To bring the situation under control, police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades. At least 30 people, including workers and police personnel, were injured in the clashes.
