Workers in Bangladesh's garment hub of Savar and Ashulia staged widespread protests on Wednesday, demanding a minimum wage of Tk 30,000 and an immediate halt to worker layoffs. The demonstrations turned violent when protesters attempted to block roads, leading to running battles with police who responded with tear gas shells and sound grenades. By 3:00 PM, authorities had declared holidays in over fifty factories across the industrial belt.

Workers reported to their factories as usual in the morning, but several groups refused to start work and remained seated inside the premises. Some later came out and staged sit-ins in front of their factories.

In response, management declared holidays at several factories during that period. As news of the protests spread, the intensity of the demonstrations increased by midday, prompting police intervention.

Police Allege External Instigation

Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan of Industrial Police-1, Ashulia, said, "The situation was good from the morning. In the middle, outsiders tried to create a chaotic environment in one or two garments." His statement suggests police believe a "third party" is fueling the unrest beyond the workers' legitimate demands. However, no detailed evidence or information has been released to support this claim.

Factory Closures and Worker Standoffs

According to bdnews24, a total of 22 factories in Savar and Ashulia have been officially declared closed. Prothom Alo, however, reported that over fifty factories had announced holidays by 3:00 PM. While the figures differ between the two reports, the core picture is clear: production in the industrial zone was severely disrupted on Wednesday. Thousands of workers remained outside their factories, and vehicular movement in several areas came to a standstill.

Workers' Demands and Context

The workers' primary demands include setting the minimum wage at Tk 30,000 and stopping the list of layoffs. Negotiations between labor unions and factory owners over a new wage structure have been ongoing for months. Since the announcement of the new pay scale, frustration and unrest have been simmering across various industrial zones. Labor leaders argue that Tk 30,000 is a reasonable minimum wage given the rising cost of living, but factory owners maintain that such a significant increase is unfeasible amid global market pressures and an order crisis.

Next Steps

Police and the local administration have stated they are working to bring the situation under control. Sources indicate that efforts are underway to resolve the issue through dialogue with workers. However, no formal meeting had been announced as of Wednesday night. It is expected that police patrols will remain intensified in the industrial area over the coming days. Labor leaders have warned that the movement will continue until their demands are met.