Police have registered 24 cases and arrested 132 people in connection with the violent protests by readymade garment (RMG) workers in the Savar and Ashulia industrial belt. The development was confirmed by police and administration sources on Wednesday (November 12).

Seven Factories Closed

Concurrently, seven garment factories in Savar and Ashulia have been declared closed indefinitely until the situation normalizes. A police official told The Daily Star that the decision was made due to disrupted production and security concerns stemming from the worker protests. The factories will reopen once the situation returns to normal, the official added.

Context of the Protests

According to a report by New Age, workers have been protesting over the past several days at various garment factories in Savar and Ashulia, demanding better wages, bonuses, and other benefits. The protests turned violent at one point, prompting the deployment of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel. The filing of cases and arrests were confirmed on Wednesday.

Legal Proceedings

Sources indicate that legal procedures are underway to produce the arrested individuals before the court. The cases are believed to include charges related to rioting, vandalism, and obstructing police duties. However, detailed specifics of individual cases were not immediately available.

Situation in the Industrial Belt

The factory closures have left thousands of workers jobless. Efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the situation through dialogue between industry owners' associations and labor leaders. Police have stated that the overall situation in the area is currently under control.