Two RMG factories vandalised in Mirpur amid workers’ wage protests

Samiruddin Nawshad, human resources officer at Deshone Apparels, said protesters gathered outside the factory and threw bricks and stones at around 10:30am.

Workers employed at the factory came downstairs to protect the premises and confronted them, following which the group moved towards the neighbouring Sirajganj Fashion Ltd.

Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, CEO of Deshone Apparels, claimed that those who came to the factory were not workers. He said the factory had remained open to meet shipment deadlines and pay workers on time.

He added that the factory resumed operations after the group left.

At Sirajganj Fashion, the group vandalised the reception area, damaging CCTV monitors, furniture, glass panels and workers’ digital attendance machines. They also caused damage on the factory’s fourth floor.

Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, security supervisor at the factory, said around 100–150 people attacked the premises and damaged various items and equipment.

Sirajul Islam, the factory’s chief human resources officer, said more than 100 people from outside entered the premises and carried out the vandalism while workers were on duty. He said the workers were brought downstairs when the attackers arrived, but the damage continued.

He suggested the attack may have been linked to the protesters’ demand that all factories remain closed during the movement. A notice announcing a temporary closure was later seen posted at the factory’s main gate.

Earlier in the morning, garment workers marched from Mirpur-2 and Mirpur-14 towards Mirpur-10. Police dispersed them by chasing them and firing tear gas.

Speaking to journalists in the afternoon, Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar said workers had attempted to take to the streets twice during the day and were dispersed peacefully.

At around 12:30pm, DMP Joint Commissioner Mahidul Islam (Crime and Operations, North) said a wage board had been formed yesterday (1 November) and work on the workers’ demands was under way. He questioned the need for further road blockades, vehicle vandalism or attacks on factories.