Once Again Sheikh Hasina

At least 135 arrests and detentions reported across #Bangladesh in connection with ongoing #RMG #workers’ #protests , as of 3 November 2026. At least 135–138 arrests and detentions have been reported across Bangladesh amid ongoing protests by ready-made garment (RMG) workers demanding fairer wages, better working conditions and other labour rights. These figures have been compiled from reports published by national and local media outlets in both Bangla and English. Two important qualifications must be noted: 1. The figures are conservative and provisional. Police Headquarters separately reported the arrest of 33 alleged "saboteurs" accused of posing as garment workers. These arrests have been linked to allegations of involvement by Awami League activists in the protests. However, because some of these 33 arrests may overlap with those already reported in Mirpur and elsewhere, we have excluded them from the current tally to avoid double-counting. If all 33 represent additional, distinct arrests, the total could rise to 168–171 arrests and detentions. 2. Police Headquarters has not released a comprehensive, updated breakdown of arrests and detentions nationwide. Not all arrests and detentions maybe reported. Consequently, the actual number is likely to be higher than the figures currently documented. Geographical Breakdown of Reported Arrests and Detentions - Mirpur, Dhaka: 64 - Gazipur: 37 -Savar–Ashulia: 13–15 - Narayanganj: 21–22 Total: 135–138 reported arrests and detentions. Where media reports potentially overlap, a range has been used rather than adding figures that may refer to the same individuals. Concerns Over Freedom of Assembly and Arbitrary Detention The scale of reported arrests raises serious questions about the government's response to workers exercising their rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and collective action. Garment workers have legitimate grievances concerning inadequate wages, rising living costs, job insecurity and working conditions. Their demands deserve meaningful engagement, not criminalisation. Particularly concerning is the apparent attempt to frame sections of the protests as politically motivated or orchestrated by opposition activists. Political affiliation, whether real or alleged, cannot in itself justify arrest or detention. The authorities should immediately publish a comprehensive, disaggregated list of arrests and detentions connected with the protests, clarify the legal grounds for each arrest, ensure access to legal representation and due process, and release anyone detained solely for peaceful protest or political affiliation. ... Sources: The Business Standard, The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, Jago News 24, Prothom Alo, RisingBD, bdnews 24, Press Narayanganj, Jugantor, The Daily Observer and Daily Sun. (Figures compiled from media reports available as of 3 November 2026. The tally remains provisional and subject to revision as further information becomes available). .... @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal

APCs, Water Cannons, Rubber Bullets, Tear Gas Shells and Stun Grenades: Government’s Hardline Response to Garment Workers’ Protests Turns Narayanganj into a Battlefield, Leaving Several Injured. As garment #workers continue protesting across #Bangladesh’s industrial belts, demanding fairer wages and better working conditions, the #BNP Government has escalated its security response, deploying the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (#BGB) alongside regular law enforcement personnel. In #Narayanganj, this heavily militarised approach has turned areas of worker protests into scenes resembling a battlefield. Rather than engaging with workers over their legitimate grievances, the authorities have confronted protesters with armoured personnel carriers (APCs), water cannons, tear gas shells, stun grenades and rubber bullets. Several garment workers have reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontations, along with one member of the law enforcement agencies. News: dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/… The deployment of paramilitary forces and the use of such extensive crowd-control measures against workers demanding a living wage raise serious questions about the government's commitment to freedom of peaceful assembly and workers' rights. Garment workers demanding fair wages and decent working conditions should not be treated as security threats. The government's response must be guided by necessity, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights. ... Images and Videos Courtesy: @dbcnews_tv @DhakaTribune @banglatribune ... @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal

What a remarkable example of “public-private partnership” in #Bangladesh! #BNP activists roughing up protesting garment workers in #Dhaka before handing them over to the police for detention. We have previously witnessed similar instances of cooperation between police and BNP activists, involving mob violence against #AwamiLeague leaders and activists, followed by their detention by law enforcement authorities. Now, it appears that suppressing workers’ protests has also become a joint undertaking. Workers demanding fair wages and better working conditions should not face intimidation, physical violence or arbitrary detention. The involvement of ruling party activists in suppressing peaceful protests is deeply troubling and must be condemned unequivocally. The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right, not a privilege granted at the discretion of the ruling party. The authorities have a duty to protect protesting workers, not silence them through intimidation and force. .... @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal

This is how the #BNP Government is responding to #garment workers protesting for living wages and better working conditions in #Bangladesh. Video: This afternoon in #Mirpur 10, #Dhaka, the police were seen using baton charges, physical beatings, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. Local BNP activists and supporters were seen backing the police's aggressive steps, patrolling the surrounding areas armed with sticks and iron rods. (C) @Kalbelaonline … @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal

Update on #Bangladesh’s #RMG #Workers’ Protests. Intimidation of garment workers demanding fair wages and better working conditions by ruling party activists reportedly continues. Images: #BNP activists armed with sticks marching through #Mirpur, #Dhaka, amid ongoing workers’ protests. Workers have the right to protest peacefully without fear of intimidation, threats, or violence. Ruling party activists have no legitimate role in suppressing workers’ demands. 📷 Photo credit: @DPostOnline .... @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal