New Delhi: Instability is brewing in India’s neighbour, Bangladesh, leading to a deteriorating situation. In the capital, Dhaka, incidents of stone-pelting, clashes, and violence are being reported across various locations, resulting in numerous injuries. This marks the first instance since the formation of the new government where people, frustrated by the lack of basic amenities, have taken to the streets.
Angry crowds are targeting police personnel tasked with maintaining law and order. The protesters’ objective is not to overthrow the government, but to secure an increase in their wages. Garment workers in Bangladesh have been persistently demanding higher pay. Earlier in 2024, the country witnessed a major upheaval that resulted in significant loss of life and forced the then-Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, to flee the country.
Economic Crisis Looms as 529 Factories Face Disruption
Garment workers in Bangladesh have taken to the streets, forcing the closure of shops and halting vehicular traffic; in some instances, these protests have turned violent. The demonstrations, which began on October 31, have escalated. Protesters have blocked roads across Dhaka, preventing workers from reaching their factories. Daily-wage earners are unable to get to work, raising the spectre of an economic crisis. Approximately 529 factories have been affected by the protests and strikes, leaving nearly a million people unable to report for work.
Violence, Vandalism, and Arson Worsen the Situation
Protesting workers on the streets have become increasingly aggressive toward the government. In several areas, incidents of violence, arson, and vandalism have occurred. The police have responded by deploying tear gas, water cannons, and sound grenades. In some regions, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has also been deployed. There was an expectation that the situation might normalise today, but that has not happened. As the day broke, a large crowd of protesters poured onto the streets. Demonstrations are underway in several lanes across Mirpur. Workers have taken to the streets, and in many places, a confrontational situation has emerged.
The police used force to disperse the protesters.
It is worth noting that the Bangladeshi government is keen to avoid any missteps in handling the protesters. According to a report by the English-language newspaper Prothom Alo, around 10:45 AM today, Monday, a group of workers in the Senpara Parbata area of Mirpur-10 attempted to move from a side street onto the main road.
The police tried to stop them, but the protesters refused to comply. Before long, a clash broke out between the police and the crowd. The police dispersed the protesters by resorting to a lathi-charge (baton charge) and firing tear gas shells.
