At least 20 garment factories at Ashulia in Savar declared a general holiday on Saturday amid workers’ protests over demands for a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000, an end to blacklisting, and a halt to worker layoffs.
Uneasy calm prevailed in Nishchintapur, Kathgara, Zirabo and Narsinghpur, where workers staged protests and work stoppages throughout the day.
Workers at New Age Apparels and New Age Garments in Nishchintapur began abstaining from work on Saturday morning to press home their demands. Workers at Al-Muslim, Continental, AR Jeans in Kathgara, Naim Sweaters, FNF Garments in Narsinghpur and Trouser Line in Zirabo also joined the protests.
Around noon, workers gathered in Nishchintapur, where tensions escalated as police attempted to disperse them. Clashes and chases ensued, with police firing tear gas and workers retaliating by throwing brick chips at law enforcers.
At least five industrial police personnel were injured in the incident. Several workers were also reportedly injured.
A worker at New Age Apparels, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the prices of essential commodities continued to rise, while wages remained unchanged. "If our wages are not increased, how will we support our families?" he said.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, said the government pledged to form a wage board and announce a new wage structure by October. However, no wage board had been formed by October 30, fuelling frustration among workers, he added.
Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, said police intervened to bring the situation under control after workers became agitated. "Five policemen were injured when workers attacked them," he said, adding that 20 garment factories had declared a general holiday to prevent further escalation.
Harun Or Rashid, investigation officer of Ashulia police station, said workers staged protests and work stoppages in Zirabo, Nishchintapur and Kathgara since on Saturday morning. The situation was brought under control by noon, he added.