Garment workers continue protests in Ashulia, 2 detained
From the early morning, workers from several factories located at different points along the Bypail-Abdullahpur road began their demonstrations. As a result, several garment factories declared a holiday by 10:30am, according to a source from the Industrial Police.
Garment workers in Dhaka's Ashulia area continued their protests today (5 September), demanding various improvements in their working conditions.
From the early morning, workers from several factories located at different points along the Baipail-Abdullahpur road began their demonstrations. As a result, several garment factories declared a holiday by 10:30 am, according to a source from the Industrial Police.
However, the exact number of factories that closed remains unclear.
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Workers from a garment factory also blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra highway around 11:20am in the Palashbari area of Ashulia.
During the unrest, some Industrial Police officers and personnel were reportedly injured by bricks thrown by the protesting workers. Their identities have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, local residents in the Narsinghpur area of Ashulia detained two individuals for allegedly causing disorder.
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 began on Monday (2 September) causing widespread disruptions in Ashulia's garment sector. At least 60 factories in Ashulia remain closed despite increased security.
To counter the unrest, a joint operation by the army, Industrial Police, and BGB began on Monday (2 September) night across the industrial zones of Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur prompting the reopening of about 100 factories.
Md Sharafat Hussain Sohail, Senior Manager at Masco group said that in Gazipur, factories are operating smoothly, except in the Bagherbazar area. Notably, factories such as Hamem, Envoy, Windy, IDS, Shermin, Setara, Rose, Sterling Creation, and Polmol, among others, are fully operational.
Workers from Ananta, New Age, NASA, Bando, Medlar, Sterling Styles, and Yagi left by 9:30am. Only two factories in the Jirabo to Bismile area, Agami and Cross Wear, remain affected.
In other regions such as Jirani, Baipail, BKSP, Chandra, Tongi, Kasimpur, Gazipur, Sripur, Mymensingh, DMP, Narayanganj, and Chittagong, all factories are operational, and roads are clear.
Local support has been visible, and the situation is now considered normal. The army and Industrial Police remain on the ground to maintain stability.
