03 Apr 2019 | 07:47 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Khulna jute mill workers continue protests April 3 /update 1
Jute mill workers in Khulna continue planned protests as of April 3 with road blocks and strikes; further protests and associated disruptions expected through April 4
Event
Jute mill workers in Khulna district continued a week-long protest as of Wednesday, April 3, with strikes and road blocks reported in the area. A 72-hour strike began at 08:00 (local time) on Tuesday, April 2, following a day of rallies on Monday, April 1. Blockades were reported on roads and railways on Wednesday, halting traffic on the Khulna-Jessore road and stopping trains since 06:00. Roadblocks were originally planned from 08:00 to 12:00, though disruptions in Khulna outside this timeframe are possible. Jute mill workers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Narsingdi also reportedly participated in demonstrations and protesters blocked a road in Demra in southern Dhaka from 07:00 to 14:00 on Tuesday. Protests and associated transportation and business disruptions are expected to continue in Khulna through Thursday, April 4. Protests and blockades in other areas of Bangladesh are also possible and work stoppages and demonstrations may continue in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Jute mill workers have been protesting recently for increased job security and timely payment of wages. Around 50,000 people attended protests in early March.
Advice
Individuals in Bangladesh, particularly in Khulna district, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, allow additional time to reach their destinations, and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.
