264 garment factories closed in Ashulia, 12 policemen injured

Ashulia Industrial Police Superintendent Mominul Islam Bhuiyan has confirmed that owners have declared a general holiday at 264 garment factories in Ashulia and surrounding areas of Savar in Dhaka on Monday (November 2). These factories have been kept closed amid workers’ protests and clashes with police. Twelve policemen were injured in the clashes. A covered van was set on fire and brickbats were hurled at several factories during this time.

Industrial police said brickbats were thrown at Picard Bangladesh, Jonron Sweater, Ferrari Garments, Denitex, Unlima Textile, Al Islam Textile and G.Q. Industries Limited in Ashulia. Besides, an arson incident took place in front of Artistic Design Limited.

Workers of several factories in Ashulia industrial area stopped work and took to the streets to protest from Monday morning. They clashed with police several times at one stage. Police fired tear gas and sound grenades to control the situation. Later additional police were deployed to handle the situation.

Ashulia Industrial Police SP Mominul Islam Bhuiyan said they have information that outsiders and miscreants joined the garment workers’ movement. Additional police have been deployed in the industrial area and efforts are underway to keep the situation calm. Legal action will be taken over the incident of setting fire to the covered van, he also said.

No one has been arrested so far in this incident. However, efforts are underway to arrest those involved. This industrial police officer said 24-hour security arrangements will remain in place in the industrial area.

Unrest has been continuing among garment workers in the capital and surrounding industrial areas for several days over the demand for fixing the minimum monthly wage at Tk 30,000. On Monday workers also blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in Kaliakair of Gazipur for the fourth consecutive day. They took position on the roads in different areas including Chandra, Pollibiddyut, Harinhati and Sofipur from the morning. This stopped vehicular movement on the highway.

Garment workers also blocked the Dhaka-Narayanganj link road in Fatullah of Narayanganj. They began protest by taking position on the road in Shibu Market area of Sadar upazila around 12pm. This disrupted vehicular movement on that road.

Ten platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Gazipur to tackle worker unrest and keep the law and order situation normal. Gazipur district administration sources confirmed this information on Monday morning. Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan said BGB members are performing duties in the field under the leadership of 21 executive magistrates.

Earlier on Sunday, workers’ protests, road blockade and clashes with police also took place in Mirpur of the capital. Many garment factories in the district declared holidays for security reasons amid the emerging situation.