10 platoons of BGB deployed in Gazipur, 21 executive magistrates assigned

Security has been tightened in Gazipur amid continued protests by garment workers demanding higher wages and other benefits, with 10 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel deployed across the industrial areas on Monday.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nurul Karim Bhuiyan confirmed the deployment on Monday morning. He said BGB personnel were carrying out field duties under the supervision of 21 executive magistrates. Members of other law enforcement agencies were also on standby.

On Sunday (November 1), garment workers blocked several sections of the Dhaka-Tangail highway in Gazipur, demanding that the minimum monthly wage be raised to Tk 30,000. The blockade brought traffic on the highway to a halt. In the Konabari area, protesters set fire to a police box in the middle of the highway. A scrap warehouse was also reportedly set ablaze.

Clashes and repeated chases between workers and law enforcement personnel broke out during the demonstrations, leaving workers and security personnel injured. Several people were detained over alleged involvement in the incidents. Factory authorities also announced holidays at numerous factories across the district for security reasons.

BGB personnel were initially deployed on Sunday in Chandura, Palli Bidyut, Safipur, Konabari, Mouchak, Naojor and Bhogra Bypass areas of Gazipur. Five platoons were assigned at the time. The deployment was increased to 10 platoons on Monday.

Meanwhile, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), production remained suspended at 529 garment factories on Sunday across several areas, including Mirpur in Dhaka, Savar-Ashulia and Gazipur.

The government also formed a new six-member wage board on Sunday to review workers' pay. The current minimum monthly wage for garment workers is Tk 12,500.