18 Apr 2020 | 04:16 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Workers and rickshaw drivers demonstrate in Chittagong April 18 despite COVID-19 restrictions
Factory workers and rickshaw drivers demonstrate in Chittagong on April 18 despite COVID-19 restrictions; further demonstrations possible over the near term
Event
Hundreds of workers from a garment factory gathered at Badamtoli intersection in the Agrabad area of Chittagong on Saturday, April 18, to demand that their outstanding wages from the month of March be paid. Police were reportedly deployed to disperse the protesters, who gathered despite social distancing restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Roads were closed from 11:00 to 12:00 (local time) on Saturday in the Barapul area of Chittagong as hundreds of autorickshaw drivers gathered to protest COVID-19 restrictions in the city and demand relief goods. Demonstrators reportedly erected a road blockade, causing severe traffic disruptions.
Similar demonstrations are possible in Chittagong and across Bangladesh over the near term.
Advice
Individuals in Chittagong are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
