5 policemen injured in Savar as workers protest over unpaid wages

At least five policemen were injured in Ashulia police station area of Savar on Monday morning.

The incident occurred on the Baipail–Abdullahpur road near Sarkar Market, when workers of Medlar Apparels Limited clashed with law enforcement during a protest demanding unpaid wages.

According to sources, police personnel arrived at the scene to manage traffic after workers blocked the road. When officers attempted to disperse the crowd, protesters allegedly hurled bricks and stones, injuring five police officials.

Among the injured, two officers were treated at a local hospital, one was admitted to the Central Police Hospital and the remaining two received first aid before being sent back to the police lines. The names of the injured were not immediately disclosed.

According to police and workers, the protest stemmed from repeated delays in wage payments by the factory management. While operators reportedly received their salaries for the previous month, other workers remained unpaid. Frustrated by the situation, workers gathered in front of the factory, blocking the road to press their demands.

Aleya Akter, a female worker at the factory, said that wages were usually paid by 7th or 8th of each month, but the previous month’s payments had not been made.

She added that the factory management announced its closure on January 12 without clearing pending wages. When workers went to the factory to demand their dues on Monday, police tried to prevent them from assembling, leading to clashes.

Ashulia Industrial Police-1 Superintendent Mominul Islam Bhuiyan said that police had been targeted during efforts to restore traffic and maintain law and order.

Additional forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further incidents, added the official.

OF/AM