Bangladesh: Protesters block airport road in Dhaka January 7

Event

Garment workers blocked the road to Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) on Monday, January 7, during a second day of protests over wages. Protesters in Uttara, Savar, and Gazipur blocked roads and interrupted traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh road and DAC airport road for several hours; however, airport operations were not impacted. At least 20 people were wounded in clashes with security forces, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters also reportedly burned a bus and vandalized several cars. The protests, which began on Sunday, January 6, resumed at 09:30 (local time) on Monday. Further protests are possible in the coming days, along with significant transportation disruptions. Clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Garment workers are demanding a higher minimum wage, proper notification of layoffs, and increased wages for older workers. 

Advice

Individuals in Dhaka and the surrounding areas are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, maintain flexible itineraries, and anticipate public demonstrations, a heightened security presence, and transportation disruptions in the affected areas, including the airport road.