A violent confrontation occurred on Tuesday afternoon between police and garment workers marching from Shrom Bhaban towards the Secretariat, as the workers protested for unpaid wages, Eid bonuses, and leave. The clash took place around 12:30 pm in front of the Secretariat.
Protesters reported that police used batons against their peaceful demonstration, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Among those injured was Dilip Roy, president of Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, who was subsequently taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses claimed that Dilip was severely beaten and taken into custody, though he was later released.
In a Facebook post following the incident, Dilip alleged that police assaulted him twice during his detention, cursing at him and threatening further violence.
In contrast, Md Khalid Mansur, officer-in-charge of Shahbagh Police Station, asserted that a group of workers attempted to enter the Secretariat, leading to police intervention. He claimed the workers responded by throwing bricks and stones, injuring three officers, prompting police to use batons to disperse the crowd.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various student organisations, which are demanding accountability for the police actions. Leftist student groups held a torch procession and rally, calling for justice for Dilip Roy and other activists, while also demanding the immediate payment of workers’ dues.
Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir criticised the delay in wage payments, labeling it a violation of labour laws. He accused the leaders of a newly formed political party of exploiting the situation for their own gain while workers face financial hardship ahead of Eid.
Solidarity with the workers was expressed by multiple student organisations, including Chhatra Federation, Chhatra Union, Bangladesh Democratic Student Council, and Birottoro Parbatya Chattogram Pahari Chhatra Parishad, all of which condemned the violence and supported the workers’ demands for justice and fair treatment.
