Clashes erupt as garment workers block roads

Clashes between garment workers and police, vandalism and fires on roads were reported in different parts of Gazipur on Tuesday as workers staged protests over wages. Police fired more than 25 sound grenades in an attempt to bring the situation under control.

According to industrial police, workers of Panacea Limited left their factory around 9:30 AM and took position on the western side of the flyover in the Naojor area. They blocked the highway by placing bamboo barricades, halting traffic on both sides.

Around the same time, workers from several factories in Konabari, Mouchak and Telichala also stopped work and came out onto the streets.

At around 11:00 AM, workers set fire to objects on the road in the bypass area of the Gazipur-Sylhet Highway. Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel went to the spot after receiving reports of the unrest and attempted to restore order. Police fired sound grenades during the operation.

Traffic on the highway remained suspended for at least an hour.

A garment worker in the area, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the loud explosions had left workers distressed and unsure where to go.

Another protesting worker said they were demanding higher wages, citing rising house rents and prices of essential commodities.

A worker in the Bhogra area, however, said setting fire to buses and other vehicles was unacceptable.

Speaking around noon, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Belayet Hossain said more than 25 sound grenades had been fired in response to incidents of arson and vandalism in different parts of the city.

He said the situation had improved somewhat but was not yet fully under control.

sks