Garment workers in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for the fourth consecutive day on Monday and demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk.30,000.
The ongoing blockade halted traffic along a 10-kilometer stretch, stranding thousands of commuters. Demonstrators vandalized more than 50 vehicles and local shops in the Palli Bidyut and Mouchak areas of Kaliakair upazila. Tensions escalated further when police and local political activists chased protesters to regain control.
The unrest which began Sunday with attacks on factory gates, police boxes, and vehicles has caused widespread panic in nearby residential areas. In response to safety concerns, authorities closed factories across industrial hubs including Mouchak, Palli Bidyut, Safipur, Konabari and Kashimpur.
To contain the situation, the district administration deployed 10 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) alongside 21 executive magistrates. Security forces including industrial and district police have taken positions across key spots to clear the highway and protect public property.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nurul Karim Bhuiyan confirmed that security forces remain on high alert. "Law enforcement agencies are working to ensure no damage is done to state property or human life" DC Nurul stated as officials work to restore traffic movement and maintain order.
