Metro Station Closed
Clashes between apparel workers and police in Mirpur, sound grenades fired
As the garment workers attempt to block a road in the capital’s Mirpur-11 area, police try to disperse them by firing tear gas and sound grenades. A series of chases and counter-chases followed. Photo: Shamim-us-Saleheen
In the capital's Mirpur, apparel workers took to the streets again on Tuesday demanding a minimum wage of Tk 30,000. Clashes erupted between workers and the police during this time.
It all started Tuesday morning as workers began agitation, road blockades, and chase-and-counter-chase followed in Mirpur-11 metro station and surrounding areas. Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to control the situation.
Around 10:15 am, workers from various garment factories skipped work and joined the procession. At that time, some 500 to 600 workers blocked the road. Around 10:30 am, workers gathered under Mirpur-11 metro station and began agitation.
Eyewitnesses said workers from various alleys in Mirpur-10, Mirpur-12, and Nanna Market areas were coming in groups to join the movement. At one stage, a section of workers began throwing bricks and stones at police. As the situation deteriorated, police fired sound grenades and tear gas canisters. it was when chase-and-counter-chase began between two sides at that time. Several workers were beaten with batons.
During the protest, workers gathered benches and wooden furniture on the road and set them on fire. This created a tense situation in Mirpur section 11 and surrounding areas. Police then took steps to disperse the workers. However, a section of workers remained in the surrounding alleys at that time.
Meanwhile, due to the clashes and security risks, Mirpur-11 metro station was temporarily closed. The MRT police control room said the decision was made in the interest of the passengers and station's security. Currently, no trains are stopping at that station and passenger boarding and alighting has been suspended. However, train operations at other metro stations remain normal. It was announced that Mirpur-11 station would be reopened once the situation returns to normal.
Adequate law enforcement personnel have been deployed by police in Mirpur-11 station and surrounding areas. Police are also on alert at Mirpur-10 roundabout. Police said the situation is under their control.
Garment workers have been protesting in various areas of Mirpur for several days demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000. Last Saturday and Sunday, they blocked roads in Mirpur-10, 11, and 12 areas. On Sunday, clashes, chase-and-counter-chase, and vehicle vandalism occurred between workers and police. At one stage, a police vehicle was set on fire under Mirpur-11 metro station. Police also said several people were arrested from various locations in that incident.
On Monday as well, when workers attempted to take to the streets in various locations, police obstructed them. Following this, the situation in Mirpur became heated again on Tuesday morning.
