Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse crowds as demonstrations intensified. (Reuters)
Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh’s garment industry as workers demand a sharp increase in their minimum monthly wage from 12,500 taka to 30,000 taka. Clashes, vandalism and road blockades have been reported in Dhaka and Gazipur, prompting authorities to deploy police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to restore order. Protesters allegedly vandalised factories, attacked police outposts with stones and set police vehicles on fire. Several major roads were blocked using barricades, disrupting movement. Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse crowds as demonstrations intensified. Border Guard Bangladesh units were also deployed alongside police to maintain security in the affected areas. The Bangladesh government has formed a wage board to decide on a revised minimum wage for garment workers. However, the move has not brought the demonstrations to an end, with workers continuing to protest for higher pay.
The unrest, which began on Saturday, escalated on Sunday in industrial areas such as Mirpur in Dhaka and Konabari in Gazipur.