10 injured in Savar labour unrest, including journalists and police

At least 10 people, including journalists and police personnel, were injured during clashes between garment workers and law enforcers in Savar on Wednesday as workers took to the streets demanding higher wages and other benefits.

The unrest also saw protesters set fire to a police vehicle and block the Dhaka-Aricha Highway for around two hours before law enforcers cleared the road and restored traffic movement.

Workers from several garment factories began blocking the highway near Hemayetpur bus stand around 9:00 AM, pressing for a three-point demand that included an increase in the minimum wage and an end to blacklisting.

Earlier, agitated workers gathered near Padmar Mor in Tetuljhora union and took position on the road. Police and BGB personnel attempted to disperse them, prompting the workers to throw bricks and stones at the law enforcers. Police later fired tear gas to bring the situation under control.

Around 10:30 AM, protesters set fire to a police vehicle on the Hemayetpur-Singair road. Shortly afterwards, Star Television journalist Sohan Siraji, 71 TV journalist Raihan Bin and cameraman Ujjal Hossain were attacked.

At least 10 people were injured in the subsequent clashes and chases between workers and police.

Meanwhile, workers at several garment factories in Nishchintapur, Ashulia, stopped work. After the factories declared a general holiday, workers came out onto the streets and attempted to block the Baipail-Abdullahpur road. Police later dispersed them.

The situation remained tense in Nishchintapur and Hemayetpur.

Savar Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Asaduzzaman Noor said workers had blocked the highway over their three-point demand but were later removed by law enforcers.

Traffic movement has returned to normal, and additional police have been deployed to prevent further incidents, he added.

sks