Violent Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Over Minimum Wage Demands

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, violent protests erupted as garment workers demanded a minimum wage increase to Tk 30,000. The unrest resulted in injuries to over 50 individuals, including law enforcement. Demonstrations spread across industrial areas, leading to road blockades and confrontations with police. Workers argue that the current wage of Tk 12,500 is insufficient to cope with rising living costs. Their demands also include better working conditions and protection of trade union rights. The situation escalated, prompting factory closures and the deployment of additional security forces. Read on to learn more about the unfolding events and the workers' plight.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2026, 16:49 IST

Protests Turn Violent in Dhaka

A file photo shows garment factory workers gathered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, protesting to demand a higher minimum wage(Photo: @Bangla_Guardian/X)

Dhaka, Nov 5: Reports indicate that around 50 individuals, including members of law enforcement, sustained injuries as protests by garment workers in Bangladesh escalated into violence, prompting over 200 factories in Savar and Ashulia to declare holidays.

Demonstrations persisted across various industrial zones, with workers advocating for a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000.

Multiple locations, such as Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur, and Narayanganj, experienced protests, road blockades, and clashes, necessitating the deployment of additional security forces to manage the situation.

Violence erupted in the Padma Mor area of Hemayetpur in Savar and spread to Ulail, where workers confronted police outside the Al-Muslim Group factory.

During the clashes, workers threw bricks and stones at police, who retaliated with tear gas, sound grenades, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. A police vehicle was set on fire amid the chaos, as reported by local media.

Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Shamima Parveen confirmed that at least 50 people, including police officers, workers, and bystanders, were injured, with OC Saiful Alam among those seriously hurt.

The unrest began when workers gathered near Padma Mor to voice their wage demands, leading to clashes as police attempted to clear the roadblocks, which then spread to surrounding areas.

Protesters blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway, causing significant traffic disruptions in both directions, with estimates of 30,000 to 40,000 workers participating.

In response to the unrest, several factories in Hemayetpur, Ulail, and adjacent areas announced temporary closures.

Additionally, three platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed in Savar and Ashulia to maintain security in the industrial region.

In Gazipur, garment workers also obstructed the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway near Signboard in the Gacha area on Wednesday morning, halting traffic.

An estimated 2,000 to 4,000 workers engaged in protests, throwing bricks at police, who responded with tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.

The workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, arguing that the current minimum wage of Tk 12,500 is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living.

Additional demands include the establishment of rationing facilities in every garment factory, safeguarding trade union rights, an end to arbitrary dismissals and blacklisting, and justice for deceased workers.