Garment workers in Dhaka’s Ashulia region have continued to demonstrate, demanding multiple reforms to their working conditions.
The workers started their protests early on 5th September, from a number of factories along the Baipail-Abdullahpur road. A source from the Industrial Police claims that as a result, by 10:30 am, numerous clothing factories had announced an off-day.
It’s unclear, though, just how many factories closed.
Workers from a garment factory also blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra highway around 11:20 am in the Palashbari area of Ashulia.
Bricks thrown by the protesting workers during the turmoil are said to have harmed some Industrial Police officers and staff. Their names have not yet been made public.
Two people were being held by the locals in Ashulia’s Narsinghpur neighborhood for allegedly causing a disturbance.
They were handed over to the Industrial Police, confirmed Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam of Industrial Police-1.
“The situation today is much better compared to yesterday. Most factory workers resumed work as usual in the morning. However, in a few factories where workers protested, holidays were declared,” Sarwar Alam said.
He also mentioned that the Industrial Police, along with members of the army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), are working jointly to maintain order and keep factory operations running smoothly.
The protests started on Monday (2nd September) causing widespread disruptions in Ashulia’s garment sector. At least 60 factories in Ashulia remain closed despite increased security.
