Dhaka, 03 November (H.S.): The Mirpur industrial area in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, has been engulfed in unrest as garment workers continue their protests for the third consecutive day, demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka. Residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods are living in fear following violent clashes between workers and police on Tuesday. Police were forced to use coercive measures to bring the situation under control, but tension continues to prevail across the area.

According to reports by Dhaka Tribune and Bangla Tribune, repeated confrontations and chases between workers and police have turned several parts of the locality into what residents describe as a battlefield. Panic has spread across Mirpur-10, Mirpur-2, Mirpur-14 and Mirpur-11, with people avoiding stepping out of their homes unless absolutely necessary.

Abu Hanif, a resident of the Purabi area in Mirpur, said, “Since Sunday, this area has felt like a war zone. Before we can even wake up properly in the morning, the deafening sounds of sound grenades and the pungent smell of tear gas make life unbearable.”

He said tension had persisted across the neighbourhood from early morning until the afternoon on Tuesday, with workers and police chasing one another through the streets. “Many people are afraid to step outside. We are even worried about sending our children to school,” Abu said.

Another resident, Shariful Islam, said fear had kept ordinary people indoors. “The police are arresting protesters and entering narrow lanes to question people. This has created panic throughout the area,” he said.

Kawsar, a resident of Mirpur-2, said the protests and recurring clashes had made it difficult for anyone in the locality to live peacefully. “With confrontations taking place repeatedly, everyone is living under the shadow of fear,” he said.

A homemaker, Sharifa Begum, said residents were apprehensive about going outdoors. “We have to step out with great fear. I went outside once yesterday but had to return home immediately. I have not been able to go out since then. There is an atmosphere of fear everywhere,” she said.

Tea stalls in the area were found closed on Tuesday. Local residents said security agencies had instructed shopkeepers to keep their establishments shut. Several large roadside shops were also closed.

Garment workers have been protesting for several days, demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka. The agitation turned violent on Sunday after protesters allegedly set fire to a police vehicle.

Fresh clashes broke out between police and workers at several locations in Mirpur on Tuesday morning. Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. Workers were also accused of attacking the police.

Police said around six people were arrested on Monday on charges of creating disorder. Eleven cases have been registered in connection with clashes over the past two days, with more than 10,000 people named as accused.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar