People in Mirpur are living in fear amid a tense atmosphere as clashes between garment workers and police over the demand for a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000 have continued for three consecutive days.
Repeated chases and counter-chases between workers and police have turned parts of the area into virtual battlegrounds, spreading panic across Mirpur-10, Mirpur-2, Mirpur-14 and Mirpur-11. Many people are avoiding going outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
The situation emerged during visits to the area and conversations with local people on Tuesday.
Abu Hanif, a resident of the Purabi area in Mirpur, told Bangla Tribune, “Since Sunday, this area has felt like a war zone. Before we can even wake up properly in the morning, the loud blasts of sound grenades and the pungent smell of tear gas make life unbearable.”
He said the area remained tense from morning until afternoon as workers and police chased each other through the streets.
“Many people are afraid to go outside. We are even worried about taking our children to school,” he added.
Another resident, Shariful Islam, said ordinary people were reluctant to leave their homes out of fear.
“Police are arresting protesters and entering alleys to question people. They are also detaining many people. This has spread panic across the area,” he said.
Kawser, a resident of Mirpur-2, said no one in the area was able to live peacefully amid the protests and clashes.
“Since clashes are taking place, a sense of fear has gripped everyone,” he said.
Housewife Sharifa Begum said, “We have to step outside in fear. Yesterday, I went out once but had to return home quickly. I have not been able to go out since. Fear has spread everywhere.”
During a visit, tea stalls inside neighbourhood alleys were found closed. Locals said law enforcement agencies had instructed shopkeepers to keep them shut. Several large roadside shops were also closed.
Garment workers have been demonstrating for several days, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000. However, the movement turned violent on Sunday, when protesters set fire to a police vehicle.
Workers attempted to take to the streets again on Monday but were prevented by a strong police presence.
On Tuesday morning, fresh clashes broke out between police and workers at several locations. Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse protesters, while workers also attacked police. The situation eased somewhat after noon.
A police source said around six people accused of creating disorder were arrested on Monday. Eleven cases have been filed over clashes during the past two days, with more than 10,000 people named as accused.