Why Were Five Workers Injured in a Protest Over Unpaid Wages in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
In Dhaka, tensions erupted as five workers were injured during a protest demanding overdue wages, resulting in significant traffic disruptions. This incident highlights the ongoing issues in Bangladesh's garment industry, where many workers face financial struggles and poor conditions amidst factory closures. The growing unrest raises serious questions about labor rights and governmental accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Five workers were injured during a protest over unpaid wages.
- The protest caused significant traffic disruptions on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
- Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
- Ongoing factory closures are contributing to unrest among workers.
- The situation highlights the need for better labor rights and protections.
Dhaka, Oct 23 (NationPress) At least five workers from a textile factory in Bangladesh sustained injuries on Thursday during a protest demanding unpaid wages, which resulted in a blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
The blockade caused traffic congestion for nearly an hour, greatly inconveniencing commuters, according to local media.
Sources indicated that police resorted to firing sound grenades and deploying tear gas to disperse the protesting workers after initial attempts at negotiation were unsuccessful.
Abdul Barek Mia, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sreepur Police Station, confirmed that police tried to convince the workers to clear the highway but had to take action when traffic was completely halted.
According to quotes from the OC reported by UNB, “Negotiations are currently taking place with the factory owner to settle the workers’ outstanding payments. The situation is now under control.”
The protest originated at the factory gate, where workers demanded the payment of two months of unpaid wages and other dues. As their demands went unheeded, they escalated their demonstration by blocking the highway.
During the police intervention, several workers were allegedly injured due to baton charges and the use of tear gas and sound grenades.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of unrest in Bangladesh, where many factories have closed, leading to ongoing protests that have resulted in injuries and fatalities among workers.
Recently, over 600 workers from another garment factory protested unpaid wages, causing significant disruption on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
The failure to pay wages has left numerous workers struggling to support their families and facing increased pressure from landlords for unpaid rent, reported The Daily Star.
Last month, protests against factory closures and layoffs resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to ten others during clashes with law enforcement in northern Bangladesh.
This confrontation occurred in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the Nilphamari district of the Rangpur Division, resulting in violent clashes with security personnel.
In the aftermath, Bangladesh's Awami League criticized the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for the fatal shooting of an unarmed worker during the protests.
Condemning this tragic incident, the Awami League claimed that under the Yunus administration, the country has become a “ceaseless river of blood,” a grim reality faced by its citizens.
Since the interim government led by Yunus assumed power in August 2024, widespread protests and strikes over non-payment of wages and deteriorating working conditions have spread across the nation.
Point of View
It is imperative to report on the struggles faced by workers in Bangladesh. The recent protests highlight a systemic issue regarding unpaid wages and deteriorating working conditions that have persisted under the current interim government's rule. It is essential that we shed light on these injustices to advocate for better rights and protections for all workers.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protest in Bangladesh?
The protest was triggered by unpaid wages, with workers demanding the payment of two months' outstanding dues.
How did the police respond to the protest?
The police responded by firing sound grenades and using tear gas to disperse the workers after negotiations failed.
What has been the impact of factory closures in Bangladesh?
Factory closures have led to widespread protests, with many workers facing financial hardships and deteriorating working conditions.
How many workers were injured during the protest?
At least five workers sustained injuries during the protest.
What are the ongoing issues faced by workers in Bangladesh?
Workers in Bangladesh are struggling with unpaid wages, poor working conditions, and increasing pressure from landlords.
