Bangladesh: Further factory workers' protests possible in Dhaka Division through early September amid factory closures

Further factory worker demonstrations are possible in Dhaka Division through early September. Participants are demanding increased wages and gender equality in hiring practices, among other demands. Since Sept. 1, thousands of garment and pharmaceutical factory workers have protested in the industrial areas of Adamjinagar, Ashulia, Dhamrai, Gazipur, and Savar. In Gazipur, gatherings have primarily occurred in the Tongi, Konabari BSCIC, and Kaliakair areas. Other affected locations include the Dhaka Export Processing Zone in Savar and Adamjee Export Processing Zone in Adamjinagar. Related protests have disrupted traffic along Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways, as well as Nabinagar-Chandra and Baipail-Abdullahpur roads. Reports indicate that vandals have damaged some factories during the unrest. As of Sept. 3, the unrest has led to the closure of more than 100 factories in the affected areas.

Additional gatherings of varying types, including strikes and road blockades, are possible over the coming days. Potential rally sites include garment factories, government buildings, sports fields, public squares, and thoroughfares. Well-attended demonstrations will likely draw hundreds to thousands of participants.

Authorities have deployed additional security forces to the affected areas to maintain order. Police could use force, including baton charges and tear gas, to disperse unruly crowds. Authorities may implement enhanced security measures, such as temporary public gathering restrictions. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are likely.