Mishandling protests to planting drugs and death in custody: Punjab Police faces credibility test

Labour unrest in Bangladesh's garment sector entered its fourth day on Tuesday. Police fired tear gas and sound grenades to disperse protesters in Dhaka, the capital, and adjoining industrial districts. Factory workers initiated the protests on Saturday, demanding an increase in the minimum entry-level wage to 30,000 Bangladeshi taka ($220), up from the current 12,500 taka. The wage was set in 2023.

In response to the workers' demands, the government formed a panel on Sunday to review the minimum wage in the garment sector. Police in Dhaka's Mirpur neighbourhood arrested four individuals during clashes with protesters, who had gathered on a main road, halting traffic during rush hour. Witnesses reported that several hundred garment factory workers walked out onto the streets after their morning shift began, chanting slogans in support of their demands. Police, wearing riot gear, pursued the demonstrators.