AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The Islamic Workers Movement staged a protest in Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh on Sunday to denounce the deaths of workers by police and to demand a minimum wage of Taka (BTK) 25,000 for garment workers, the release of arrested workers, and the withdrawal of cases against them.
Leaders and activists of the trade union held a separate demonstration in front of the National Press Club on Sunday. They demanded immediate justice for the workers killed by the police, as well as the release of arrested workers, withdrawal of cases, and an end to dismissals.
The movement for a minimum wage of 25,000 Taka (1 USD = 115.71 BDT ) for garment workers has gained momentum recently, leading to clashes between workers and police in Mirpur, Gazipur, Savar, and Ashulia. Four workers were killed in police forces' armed attack during these clashes.
The agitation intensified after the deaths of the workers. Workers from various garment factories blocked roads and vandalized factories.
More than 300 garment factories were closed for over a week due to worker-police clashes. The workers returned to work after 15 consecutive days of agitation.
During the labor movement, police and garment owners filed 43 cases against garment workers and labor leaders for vandalism, arson attacks, assault on police, and obstruction of police work.
A total of 20 thousand people were accused in these cases, with 115 people including garment workers and leaders from various labor organizations being arrested.
In other news, Bangladesh's Supreme Court has upheld a High Court verdict canceling the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's main Islamic political party.
As a result, Jamaat-e-Islami will not be able to participate in elections with its party members.
The High Court had banned Jamaat-e-Islami on August 1st, 2013 after accusations that its top leaders opposed Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.
Monday marks the second day of a 48-hour strike demanding the cancellation of the 12th National Assembly election schedule.
The strike has disrupted communication with Dhaka across the entire country.
No public transport is leaving from Dhaka's main bus terminal and law enforcement patrols have been increased.
...................
End/ 257