Clash between police, garment workers halts traffic on Dhaka-Tangail highway for an hour

Vehicular movement on Dhaka-Tangail highway remained suspended for one hour today following a clash between police and garment workers as the latter demonstrated in Noujor area in Gazipur demanding basic salary hike.

Witnesses said, workers of several garment factories, including Libas Knitwear and Hasan Tanvir Fashion in Chandona intersection, took to the street in the morning, halting traffic.

At one stage, they tried to put up a barricade on the highway by placing logs.

Later, police along with RAB personnel went to the spot and used tear gas shells to disperse them.

A chase and counter-chase took place during the demonstration.

Sarwar Alam, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, said the situation is now under control.

Meanwhile, several garment factories shut down today following the unrest and the death of a female garment worker on Wednesday.

Garment workers have been demonstrating since October 23, demanding increasing their basic salary to Tk 23,000.  

The government on Tuesday fixed Tk 12,500 as the minimum salary for entry-level RMG workers.