Demand for higher wages: Protest of RMG workers continues

Staff Reporter :
Readymade garment workers (RMG) on Wednesday were continuing their protests in demand for higher wages in the capital’s Mirpur area and the death of a fellow worker in an attack on their gathering while owners have declare general holiday in Ashulia of Savar to calm down the situation.

In Mirpur, the workers were seen holding sticks in their hands and chanting slogans on the streets demanding justice for the attack on them.

The movement of vehicles was hindered as the workers occupied different roads in the area.

The agitated workers allegedly have vandalised a bus too.

A huge number of law enforcers were deployed in the areas. They, however, did not obstruct the demonstration of the workers or roadblocking.

Earlier on Tuesday, the workers came under attack while demonstrating in Mirpur area.

Later, the ruling Awami League leaders and activists took to the streets to disperse the agitated workers there.

One of the ruling party men was seen with firearms. According to witnesses, he shot several rounds of bullets.

Meanwhile, the majority of garment factories in Ashulia of Savar have announced a general holiday following the protest of workers that had been continuing for three consecutive days demanding a wage hike.

As a result, the tense situation prevailing in the area has calmed down.

On Wednesday morning, there were no signs of workers gathering in the Jamgara, Chautala, and Narsinghpur areas along the Tongi-Ashulia-EPZ road.

However, presence of law enforcers was noticeable in the areas.

On the other hand, several factories had issued notices of closure on Tuesday. As per the notice, all activities would be suspended on Wednesday based on the decision of the factory authorities.

Normal operations are set to resume from Thursday morning.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of Shilpa Police-1 Mohammad Sarwar Alam said that the situation on Wednesday was significantly improved compared to the past few days.

Many factories are operational, while some remain closed.