DMP official calls Mirpur garment workers' protesters 'troublemakers'

Garment workers remained outside factories in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Tuesday morning, amid fears of fresh protests for the third consecutive day.

DMP Joint Commissioner (Crime and Operations-North) Md Mahidul Islam described those currently protesting in the name of garment workers as “troublemakers”.

He said police were working to bring those violating the law or attempting to deteriorate the law and order situation to justice.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Division) Abu Naser Rikabdar said the incidents were being investigated. Several more cases were being processed after verification, while police operations to arrest those involved continued.

The situation remained tense in Mirpur-10 and Mirpur-11 on Tuesday (November 3), as workers from several factories gathered outside their workplaces. Some were also seen standing in groups on nearby roads.

Local resident and eyewitness Yusuf Ahmed said workers, both men and women, were gathered outside several factories between Mirpur-11 and Mirpur-10. He feared they could take to the streets at any moment.

Police remained on alert to prevent any disorder. However, no untoward incident had been reported so far.

Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hafizur Rahman said the situation in Mirpur-10 was normal and police were maintaining vigilance.

He warned that any attempt to create disorder would be dealt with strictly.

Garment workers have been demonstrating for a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 for several days.

The protests turned violent on Sunday when demonstrators set fire to a police vehicle, triggering clashes between police and workers. The area turned into a battleground during the chase and counter-chase.

Workers again attempted to take to the streets on Monday but were prevented by a strong police presence.

-AJM