Joint forces deployed in Gazipur following Beximco factory unrest

Joint security forces have been deployed in and around the Beximco Industrial Park and Grameen Fabrics area in Gazipur following incidents of vandalism and factory fires.

The area was calm this morning (23 January), with no visible presence of protesting workers. As of 10am today, the situation in and around the Beximco Industrial Park remains under control, according to Assistant Superintendent of Gazipur industrial police Md Abu Taleb.

He said, "Joint forces, including the industrial police, and law enforcement personnel have been deployed to ensure safety and maintain order."

Grameen Fabrics, which was damaged by fire during the unrest, has announced a temporary closure.

Joint forces, including the military and police, have been stationed at key locations like Zirani Bazar, Chakrabarty, and Sarabo to maintain law and order. Security personnel have also been seen patrolling the affected areas.

Mohammad Obaidul, a security guard at the Grameen Fabrics factory, told Prothom Alo, the protesting workers broke through the main gate of the factory yesterday evening and set parts of the facility ablaze. The fire was eventually brought under control by the fire service. As a result, the factory management announced a holiday today.

Leaders and workers at Beximco Industrial Park have alleged external provocation behind the chaos. Abdul Hamid, an employee at the Chakrabarti facility, claimed, "We had been peacefully demanding the reopening of factories for a long time. However, an external group infiltrated our protest and worsened the situation."

Similarly, Sumon Mia, a team leader at the industrial park, said, "On Tuesday [21 January], we held a peaceful gathering where labour leader Mishu from Dhaka assured us of an update by 22 January.

"However, no decision was communicated, leading to heightened tensions on Wednesday. The road blockade, vandalism, and arson were triggered by external provocateurs."

Earlier yesterday (22 January), workers gathered peacefully at a designated field in the Sreepur area demanding the reopening of 16 factories in the Beximco Industrial Park that had been closed.

However, tensions rose in the evening when some workers began lighting fires and blocking the Chandra-Nabinagar highway with logs and wooden debris. The violence escalated as dozens of vehicles were vandalised, and fires were set to a cargo truck and three buses.

Later that evening, the Grameen Fabrics factory was also set ablaze.