Ready-made garment (RMG) workers clashed with police and set fire to a police vehicle in Mirpur-11 of the capital on Sunday as protests demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 continued for the second consecutive day.

The clashes erupted when police attempted to remove workers who had blocked roads at several locations across Mirpur.

The protesters began their demonstration around 9:00am by occupying the Mirpur-10 roundabout. Later, workers from garment factories in Mirpur-11, Mirpur-12, Prashika intersection and nearby areas joined the protest.

The blockade brought traffic movement in the area to a complete standstill, causing severe congestion on surrounding roads.

At one stage, police used water cannons, tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. This led to several rounds of chases and clashes between workers and law enforcement personnel.

Officer-in-Charge of Pallabi Police Station Jalal Uddin said garment workers had been staging demonstrations on roads in Mirpur-10, Mirpur-11, Mirpur-12 and adjoining areas since the morning.

Additional police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control, he said, adding that law enforcers were working to clear the blocked roads and restore traffic movement.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has formed a minimum wage board to determine the wages of garment workers. Despite the move, workers continued their demonstrations, insisting on their demand for a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000.

Sun News/ rabbi