Protests Erupt in Mirpur as Workers Clash with Police Over Minimum Wage Demands
In Mirpur, protests for higher minimum wages continue as clashes between workers and police disrupt traffic and lead to injuries.
Mirpur, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Tensions escalated in Mirpur, Bangladesh, as workers clashed with police for the third consecutive day on November 3, 2026. The protests, driven by demands for an increase in the minimum wage, resulted in significant traffic disruptions and the temporary closure of a metro station.
According to local media reports, police deployed tear gas and sound grenades in an attempt to disperse crowds after violent outbreaks. The unrest has intensified, with thousands of garment workers taking to the streets in major industrial areas such as Gazipur, Savar-Ashulia, and Narayanganj. As a result, operations in 264 factories across the country have been halted.
Eyewitness accounts from the Dhaka Tribune indicated that confrontations occurred around 10:15 AM when police attempted to prevent workers from blocking roads in the Mirpur-11 area. Workers were seen throwing bricks and stones at law enforcement, prompting police to respond with tear gas.
Throughout the morning, workers gathered outside their factories, with some forming groups in nearby alleys. Local resident Yusuf Ahmed reported that both male and female employees from several factories between Mirpur-10 and Mirpur-11 were present.
Protesters are demanding that the minimum monthly wage be raised to 30,000 taka, the cessation of blacklisting workers, and a halt to layoffs. At least ten individuals have been injured during the clashes, which have also led to incidents of arson and vandalism, forcing the declaration of general holidays in many textile factories.
This surge in worker activism comes shortly after the government announced the formation of a six-member wage board to review the minimum wage. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed officials to ensure that the interests of garment workers are protected while maintaining uninterrupted production and exports in the apparel sector. He also warned against violence and unrest under the guise of worker movements.
Labor and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury urged workers to return to work instead of protesting on the streets. Despite this appeal, demonstrations have persisted for three days, raising concerns about the potential impact on Bangladesh’s vital garment industry, which is a cornerstone of the national economy and export market.
Tensions remain high as the situation develops, with both workers and authorities facing increasing pressure to find a resolution.
