Garment workers protest again in Gazipur, Over 50 vehicles vandalized

Garment workers staged fresh protests in Kaliakair, Gazipur, on Monday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, blocking the Dhaka-Tangail highway on the fourth day of their movement. More than 50 vehicles and shops were vandalised during the demonstrations, while clashes involving workers, police and local BNP activists heightened tensions in the area.

Workers from several garment factories gathered in the Pallibidyut and Mouchak areas of the upazila at around 8:30 am on Monday (November 2) and began demonstrating. They later took positions on the Dhaka-Tangail highway, bringing traffic to a standstill and triggering long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road.

Fearing further protests and vandalism, authorities declared holidays at several garment factories in Mouchak, Pallibidyut, Safipur and Harinhati. The labour unrest also affected nearby industrial establishments and residential areas, spreading panic among local residents.

According to local sources, protesters attacked vehicles travelling along the highway as well as shops in the surrounding areas. More than 50 vehicles and business establishments were damaged. Police arrived at the scene to restore order, triggering a series of chases and counter-chases between officers and workers.

Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said workers began their demonstration by blocking the highway in the morning. Police rushed to the scene after receiving information, leading to clashes and chases between the two sides. Several vehicles were vandalised during the unrest. Police, BGB personnel and members of other law enforcement agencies remain deployed at the scene to bring the situation under control.

Traffic remained suspended along a nearly 10-kilometre stretch of the highway, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. The workers' protests and road blockade have also disrupted normal production activities across the industrial zone.