Joint security forces, comprising industrial police and law enforcement personnel, have been deployed across key locations in Gazipur, including Beximco Industrial Park and the Grameen Fabrics area, following incidents of factory fires and vandalism.
As of Thursday (23 January) morning, the situation remained under control, with no visible signs of protesting workers in the vicinity, said Assistant Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police Md Abu Taleb.
"The deployment of joint forces has ensured safety and maintained order," he stated.
The unrest, which began as peaceful demonstrations demanding the reopening of 16 factories at Beximco Industrial Park, escalated on Wednesday evening (22 January) when tensions flared.
Protesters reportedly blocked the Chandra-Nabinagar highway with logs and wooden debris, setting fire to a cargo truck and three buses.
The violence culminated in the torching of the Grameen Fabrics factory, now temporarily closed as a result of the damage.
Workers at Beximco Industrial Park have attributed the escalation to external instigation.
An employee alleged, "We had been peacefully demanding the reopening of factories for a long time. However, an external group infiltrated our protest and worsened the situation."
This sentiment was echoed by another worker, adding that the unrest followed unfulfilled assurances from labour leader Mishu, who had promised updates on factory reopenings by 22 January.
"The lack of communication heightened tensions, and external provocateurs exploited the situation, leading to chaos," he remarked.
Earlier on 22 January, workers had gathered peacefully at a designated field in Sreepur, pressing for the reopening of factories that had been shut down.
However, as night fell, the demonstrations turned volatile, with dozens of vehicles vandalised and multiple fires set across the area.
Joint forces, including the military, have since been stationed at critical points such as Zirani Bazar, Chakrabarty, and Sarabo to ensure the restoration of law and order.
Security patrols continue in the affected areas, with authorities maintaining a high alert to prevent further disturbances.
Meanwhile, leaders at Beximco Industrial Park have urged restraint, appealing to workers to uphold peace while negotiations on factory reopenings continue.
