No workers on Mirpur roads; 10,000 police deployed for security

BanglaPress Desk: More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in the capital’s Mirpur area to maintain law and order amid protests by garment workers, stated Md. Mohidul Islam, Joint Commissioner (Acting, Crime and Prevention-North) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday regarding the overall situation in Mirpur, he said, "The situation is currently normal."
According to him, workers have not been able to take to the streets. Many have returned to their respective factories, where production is now underway.
Mohidul Islam noted that police have been deployed in key areas, including Mirpur-1, Pallabi, Rupnagar, Mirpur-12, and Kafrul. In total, over 10,000 police personnel are on duty.
The DMP official further stated that legal action is being taken against those involved in blocking roads, vandalizing vehicles, damaging state property, and causing public hardship under the guise of protests.
"Many have already been arrested in connection with these incidents, and cases have been filed against them," said Mohidul Islam. "Anyone found through investigation to be involved in these crimes will be brought to justice."
When asked about the exact number of arrests made during the recent protests and acts of violence, the official replied, "It is not possible to provide a specific figure at this moment. Operations are ongoing, and individuals are being vetted under the supervision of senior officers before any formal detention."
He added that innocent workers and passersby—those against whom no evidence of criminal involvement is found—are being released. He emphasized that the police are taking precautions to ensure that no innocent individuals are subjected to harassment.
In addition to the regular police force, the Special Response Battalion (SRB), Armed Police Battalion (APBn), the DMP’s Detective Branch (DB), the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, and other intelligence agencies are also actively involved, Mohidul Islam stated. He stated, “There is coordination among all units. By working in a coordinated manner, we have thwarted those who attempted to deteriorate the law-and-order situation and cause public hardship.”
Regarding the workers' demand for a wage increase, Mohidul Islam mentioned that a wage board for workers has been established. Efforts are also underway to enhance the benefits provided to workers.
Alleging that a certain group is inciting workers to engage in destructive activities, Mohidul Islam clarified that genuine workers are not involved in such actions. Those who, under the guise of a protest, engage in acts of sabotage—such as setting fire to factories or vandalizing vehicles—will be brought to justice.
Mohidul Islam emphasized that it is the police's responsibility to ensure the safety of the public and their property, as well as to protect state assets. Regardless of how powerful the perpetrators may be, strict legal action will be taken against them.
BP/KJ