Violent clashes between protesting factory workers and law enforcement personnel disrupted two major highways in Gazipur on Monday, leaving several people injured, including a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member and media workers. Protesters also vandalised and set fire to three police vehicles as tensions continued to rise across the industrial district.

More than 150 factories have been closed amid the ongoing labour unrest, with workers from the affected establishments taking to different sections of the highways to press their demands. The protests have caused significant disruption to traffic, while repeated confrontations between demonstrators, police and BGB personnel have further aggravated the situation.

The demonstrations began on Monday morning along the Dhaka-Tangail Highway, particularly in the Safipur Palli Bidyut and Chandra areas. Workers blocked the highway at several points, bringing traffic movement to a standstill and staging protests.

At around 11 am, police and BGB personnel moved to disperse the demonstrators. The operation triggered clashes and chases between the two sides. During the confrontation, a BGB member sustained injuries after being struck by a brick thrown by protesters.

The unrest later spread to Naojor in Gazipur Metropolitan City. At around noon, agitated workers allegedly vandalised several police vehicles and set fire to some of them. Three police vehicles were reported to have been damaged in the attacks, adding to the tension surrounding the demonstrations.

Journalists covering the developments also came under attack. A reporter and a camera operator from Somoy TV were reportedly assaulted, and their camera equipment was damaged. A camera operator from SA TV sustained an injury to his foot during the unrest.

The attacks on media personnel raised further concerns about the safety of journalists reporting from volatile locations. Journalists and camera operators often work close to demonstrations to document developments, making their protection an important consideration during law enforcement operations and public gatherings.

Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Amjad Hossain said workers had continued their demonstrations on Monday, prompting the authorities to close more than 150 factories.

He added that BGB, district police, metropolitan police and industrial police personnel were working together to maintain order and bring the situation under control.

Gazipur is one of Bangladesh’s major industrial centres, with a large concentration of garment and other manufacturing facilities. Labour unrest in the district can have a direct impact on factory operations, workers’ livelihoods and transport along important regional routes.

The latest disturbances have disrupted industrial activity and created difficulties for commuters and businesses operating in the affected areas. With workers continuing to gather at different points along the highways, restoring normal traffic movement and ensuring the safety of workers, law enforcement personnel and journalists remain immediate challenges for the authorities.

The situation remained tense as security personnel worked to contain the unrest and prevent further violence.