Clashes Between Garment Workers and Police in Mirpur Over Tk 30,000 Minimum Wage Demand

Clashes and a series of chases between garment workers and police broke out in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Monday as workers took to the streets demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000. Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

The incident took place at around 9:15 am on November 2, when workers attempted to occupy the road in the Mirpur-10 area. Police moved to clear the road. After protesters allegedly threw bricks and stones, police responded by firing tear gas shells. The workers eventually dispersed.

Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hafizur Rahman confirmed the incident to the media, saying, “The workers had come to block the road, and we moved them away.”

According to eyewitnesses and relevant sources, tensions spread across the Mirpur area following the clashes. Most shops remained closed, while police monitored movement and gatherings on the roads to maintain control of the situation.

On Sunday, garment workers staged demonstrations in several industrial areas of the capital over the same demand. Road blockades, arson and clashes were reported during the protests. Police used tear gas and sound grenades in an effort to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, the government has formed a six-member wage board to determine a new minimum wage for garment workers. The Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification regarding the formation of the board on Sunday.