Police deploy tear gas, water cannons amid garment worker unrest in Mirpur

Police personnel deployed tear gas canisters and water cannons in Mirpur on Tuesday as clashes erupted between officers and garment workers assembled in the densely industrialised zone. The confrontation marked another instance of labour-related unrest in the area, which hosts numerous factories supplying international clothing brands. Riot control vehicles were positioned throughout the district as authorities sought to disperse the gathering. The exact trigger for the demonstration and the precise number of participants remain unclear, though workers reportedly gathered to voice grievances related to employment conditions and wages. The incident reflects simmering tensions within Bangladesh's garment manufacturing sector, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy and employs millions across the country. Authorities have not issued formal statements regarding the cause of the clash or any resulting injuries or arrests. This marks the latest in a series of worker protests across Dhaka's industrial belts in recent months, highlighting persistent challenges in labour relations within the apparel industry. Factory owners and workers' representatives have previously engaged in negotiations over wage structures and workplace safety standards, though disputes continue to surface periodically.