In Kaliakair, Gazipur, protesters set fire to a factory godown and a law-enforcement vehicle, and the fire service was blocked too

In Kaliakair, Gazipur, amid workers' protests and a highway blockade demanding a wage increase, a factory godown and a vehicle of the law-enforcement agencies were set on fire. Protesters also blocked a fire service vehicle on its way to the scene to control the fire. Fire-control work was disrupted as a result.

The fire was set at a godown of Tropical Knitex Limited in the Chandra Palli Bidyut area of Kaliakair upazila at around 12 noon on Sunday (1 November), while the workers' movement was under way. A vehicle of the law-enforcement agencies was also set on fire in the same area.

Local sources said that after the godown caught fire, black smoke spread quickly in all directions. The surrounding area became covered in smoke.

Local sources said there were fears the fire could spread to the main factory if it was not brought under control quickly. However, because of the blockade, the fire service could not begin extinguishing work even after reaching the area.

Md Tarikul Islam, an officer of Kaliakair Fire Station, said: 'We set out after receiving news that the godown of the Tropical Knitex Limited factory had caught fire. But after reaching Chandra, we cannot move forward because of the workers' blockade. We are not getting any cooperation on this either.'

For the past two weeks, worker unrest and protests demanding a wage increase have been continuing in various industrial areas of Gazipur, including Konabari, Mouchak and Safipur.

In the meantime, the government has formed a new wage board with the aim of increasing workers' wages. Despite that, worker unrest has continued at various factories.

On Saturday (31 October), workers blocked highways and protested at various places from noon until night. Continuing that, a fresh movement began again from Sunday morning.

Fearing a deterioration of the situation, several nearby factories have been declared closed. Alongside that, BGB has been deployed on the highway to control the law and order situation.