Two garment workers were injured in clashes with police in Bangladesh’s Ashulia as protests demanding higher minimum wages resumed. Authorities deployed additional security forces, while New Age Group announced indefinite factory closures amid continuing labour unrest.
At least two garment workers were injured in clashes with police in Ashulia, near Dhaka, on Tuesday as protests demanding higher minimum wages resumed in Bangladesh following a break of several days. The fresh unrest prompted security forces to deploy additional personnel across the industrial area to prevent further escalation.
According to local media reports, workers blocked a road in the Jamgora area of Ashulia, disrupting traffic and triggering confrontations with police. The demonstration began at approximately 10:30 am on the Baipail-Abdullahpur Road, where protesters gathered to demand an increase in the minimum wage.
Police initially attempted to persuade the demonstrators to clear the road and end their protest. However, tensions escalated after protesters allegedly began throwing bricks and stones at police personnel. Officers subsequently fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes and chases between the two sides, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
The injured workers were identified as Alamgir Hossain and Rafia Begum, both employees of Sterling Style, a garment factory in the area. Hospital authorities said the two workers had sustained injuries reportedly caused by rubber bullets. However, it could not be independently verified whether police had actually fired rubber bullets during the confrontation.
Harun-or-Rashid, operations manager of Ashulia Women and Children Hospital, told the Dhaka Tribune that Rafia Begum sustained a head injury and was subsequently referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for further treatment. Meanwhile, Alamgir Hossain received primary medical attention and returned home.
Following the incident, security arrangements were strengthened across the industrial zone. Several platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed in the area, while additional police personnel were stationed outside factories and at important locations to maintain law and order and prevent further violence.
Amid the continuing labour unrest, authorities have also announced the indefinite closure of all factories operated by New Age Group in Ashulia, effective November 10, 2026. The decision was taken under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, citing the ongoing labour-related disturbances, according to the media report.
The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of widespread garment worker demonstrations across several parts of Bangladesh on October 31. Hundreds of thousands of workers reportedly took part in protests demanding that the country’s minimum monthly wage be increased to 30,000 Bangladeshi taka, equivalent to approximately $241.
During those demonstrations, police detained 21 individuals, describing them as Awami League activists rather than genuine garment workers, according to reports. The developments have further intensified concerns surrounding labour rights, workplace conditions and the ongoing dispute over minimum wages in Bangladesh’s vital garment manufacturing sector.
The situation has also attracted international attention, with human rights organisations expressing concern over the handling of demonstrations and the reported use of force against workers.
Last week, the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that police use force only when necessary and proportionate, in accordance with international standards. The organisation also stressed that individuals responsible for violence should be held accountable.
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Several international rights groups have similarly condemned violence against protesting garment workers and called for greater protection of workers’ fundamental rights.
With fresh demonstrations emerging in Ashulia, factory closures taking effect and additional security forces deployed, concerns remain over the possibility of further unrest in Bangladesh’s garment industry. The situation highlights the continuing challenges facing workers seeking higher wages and authorities attempting to maintain stability across major industrial areas.
