Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Demanding Minimum Wage Increase, Two Injured in Clashes with Police
Protests in Dhaka for higher minimum wages turn violent, resulting in injuries and police intervention.
Dhaka, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Protests demanding an increase in the minimum wage have reignited in Bangladesh after a brief pause. On Tuesday, clashes between police and garment workers in Ashulia, Dhaka, resulted in two injuries.
According to reports from the Dhaka Tribune, workers in the Jamgora area blocked roads, prompting police to use tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. The unrest began around 10:30 AM when workers obstructed the Bepail-Abdullapur Road and started demonstrating. Initially, police attempted to persuade the protesters to clear the road, but tensions escalated as demonstrators began hurling bricks and stones, leading to a chaotic confrontation.
The injured individuals have been identified as Alamgir Hossain and Rafia Begum, both employees of Sterling Style. Hospital officials reported that the workers sustained injuries from rubber bullets, though it remains unclear whether police actually fired rubber bullets.
Harun-ur-Rashid, operations manager at Ashulia Women and Children Hospital, informed the Dhaka Tribune that Rafia Begum suffered a head injury and was subsequently referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Alamgir received first aid and was later discharged.
In response to the unrest, multiple units of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in the industrial area. Additionally, extra police forces have been stationed in front of factories and other key locations to prevent further disturbances.
Authorities cited ongoing labor discontent under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006, as they announced the indefinite closure of all factories operated by New Age Group in Ashulia starting November 10, 2026.
On October 31, millions of garment workers across the country protested for a minimum wage of 30,000 Bangladeshi Taka (approximately $241). During these demonstrations, police detained 21 individuals, who they claimed were not genuine workers but rather affiliated with the Awami League.
International human rights groups condemned the violence against protesting workers last week. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW) based in the United States stated that Bangladeshi authorities must ensure that police use force only when necessary and in appropriate measures, holding those responsible for violence accountable.
