Dhaka, 06 November (H.S.):

The situation in Dhaka’s Mirpur industrial area has shown some signs of improvement, although tensions persist in parts of the country’s garment manufacturing belt. In response to the violence, the government has deployed 33 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Factory workers in the area have been protesting for more than a week, demanding that the minimum monthly wage be raised to 30,000 taka.

On Thursday, the entire industrial belt resembled a security zone, with police personnel and members of the Special Reserve Battalion (SRB) deployed across the streets. The administration has claimed that the situation is now under control.

According to a report by The Dhaka Tribune, garment workers appeared relatively calm on Thursday after eight days of unrest. Production resumed at factories in Savar, Gazipur and Narayanganj. However, sporadic protests in Ashulia forced around 70 factories to suspend operations. Workers blocked roads in the area and clashed with police.

Security has been tightened across the industrial belt, with 33 platoons of BGB personnel deployed to deal with the situation. The government has also constituted a wage board to review workers’ pay. The revised wage structure is expected to come into effect in December, although the proposed increase has not yet been announced. The Mirpur industrial belt is extensive, covering several police station jurisdictions and falling under the supervision of multiple police officials.

Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan said that 1,863 factories fall under his jurisdiction, of which 70 had declared holidays. Production had resumed at the remaining establishments, he said, adding that despite disturbances at a few locations, the overall situation remained stable.

Late on Thursday evening, protesting workers reportedly blocked the Abdullahpur-Baipail Road, disrupting traffic. Clashes subsequently broke out in Jamgora. Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators.

According to BGB headquarters, the deployment comprises three platoons in Mirpur, 11 in Savar and Ashulia, 12 in Gazipur and seven in Narayanganj.

Meanwhile, the Detective Branch (DB) of police has arrested eight more people in connection with an attack on police personnel in Mirpur-11 on Tuesday. The government has assigned Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Akhtar Hossain to investigate the violence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar