Traffic returns to normal in Mirpur-10 after police action

Photo: collected

Police dispersed hundreds of garment workers who blocked the Mirpur-10 intersection in the capital on Sunday morning, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000 for the second consecutive day.

Traffic resumed through the major roundabout after law enforcers cleared the intersection, though vehicular movement on roads leading from Mirpur 10 towards Mirpur 11 and 12 remained suspended.

Starting around 9:00am, workers from apparel factories across Mirpur-1, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-13, Pallabi, and Kazipara converged at the intersection, crippling traffic and inflicting severe hardships on commuters.

Around 11:00am, after protesters refused calls to vacate the thoroughfare, police lobbed tear gas canisters, sound grenades, and deployed water cannons. Protesters retaliated with brickbats and sticks, sparking chases and counter-chases before workers dispersed into nearby alleyways toward Mirpur 2, 11, 13, and Shewrapara.

The sound grenades and acrid tear gas triggered panic, notably affecting school children and parents heading home during midday dismissals. Pappu Hossain, a multimedia reporter for ‘Amar Desh’, was injured while performing professional duties, though no major casualties were reported.

Joint Police Commissioner (Acting) of DMP Crime Prevention (North) Md Mohidul Islam told reporters that unruly elements had infiltrated the agitation to instigate chaos. He stated that police dispersed protesters without resorting to baton charges and confirmed that no arrests were made.

Additional law enforcers remain deployed across Mirpur 10 to avert further flare-ups, even as the labour ministry's minimum wage board continues its review.