Wage protest turns violent in Savar

Clashes broke out between garment workers and police in Ashulia, Savar, on Saturday as workers took to the streets demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, an end to blacklisting and other workplace-related rights.

At least one Industrial Police member was injured after being struck by bricks and stones thrown by protesters, while workers and police were involved in several rounds of chasing and counter-chasing.

Amid the unrest that began on Saturday (October 31) morning, at least 13 garment factories in the Kathgora area of Ashulia and surrounding neighbourhoods declared a general holiday.

According to Industrial Police sources, workers of Nayeem Knitwear initially staged a work stoppage inside their factory in the morning before coming out and launching a demonstration.

The protest later spread to nearby factories, where demonstrators allegedly hurled bricks and stones at several establishments.

Clashes subsequently broke out between the protesters and police, with both sides chasing each other through the area. An Industrial Police member sustained injuries after being hit by a brick thrown by workers.

Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiya of Industrial Police-1 said 13 garment factories had so far declared a general holiday in response to the unrest.

He warned that the number could increase as the situation developed.

Police are working to bring the situation under control, he added.