JMBF urges an immediate investigation into the police's excessive use of force, accountability for those responsible, and the fulfillment of workers' demands for unpaid wages, Eid bonuses, and maternity leave. Furthermore, the government must protect workers' right to protest and ensure that victims of police brutality receive proper treatment and compensation.
Fact on Brief (According to Information Received from JMBF's Reliable Sources and Reports Published by Various News Media in Bangladesh):
On March 25, 2025, around 40 garment workers and several policemen were injured during clashes between the police and garment workers. The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon, near the National Press Club and the Link Road leading to the Secretariat. The police deployed sound grenades, tear gas, and baton charges as the garment workers marched towards the Secretariat, demanding payment of their overdue dues before the upcoming Eid ul-Fitr.
Workers from several garment factories in Gazipur had been staging a peaceful sit-in in front of the Ministry of Labour in Dhaka since March 23, demanding three months' unpaid wages, Eid bonuses, and maternity leave. On March 24, they blocked roads in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, and on March 25, they began marching towards the Secretariat in Dhaka.
Gathering in front of the Labour Building at 10 AM, the workers started their march towards the Secretariat around 11:15 AM. When the police blocked their path near the Press Club, clashes broke out. The police fired sound grenades and tear gas, and carried out baton charges, injuring many peaceful protesters. The Press Club area turned into a battleground, causing panic among the public. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Hundreds of workers from TNZ Apparels, Apparel Plus Eco Limited, Roar Fashion, Style Craft Garments, and Dard Composite Textile Limited participated in the protest.
Robert Simon, French Prominent Human Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stated, "The images coming out of Bangladesh are deeply disturbing. The response of the police to a peaceful workers' protest is nothing short of state-sanctioned violence. These workers, who toil in the garment industry and contribute significantly to the country's economy, are simply asking for what is rightfully theirs. The use of tear gas, sound grenades, and physical force is an extreme abuse of power and a flagrant violation of the workers' fundamental right to protest and seek justice."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist, and Founder President of JMBF, added, "As a human rights advocate, I am horrified by the actions of the law enforcement agencies. The workers of Bangladesh, particularly in the garment sector, are the backbone of the nation's economy, yet they are being treated as criminals for standing up for their basic rights. The authorities' actions betray the principles of justice, dignity, and respect for human rights that every individual deserves, especially those who labor tirelessly to contribute to the national income."
JMBF calls for the following immediate actions:
Immediate Investigation and Accountability: We demand a full, impartial investigation into the police’s actions on March 25, 2025, and that those responsible for using excessive force be held accountable.
Restitution of Workers’ Rights: The government must immediately address the workers' demands, including the payment of overdue wages, Eid bonuses, and maternity leave as outlined by the protestors.
End to the Suppression of Workers' Rights: The government must ensure the protection of workers' rights to peacefully assemble and protest, and stop the use of state force to silence those demanding justice.
Provide Adequate Physical and Psychological Treatment: The government must ensure that victims of police brutality receive proper physical and psychological treatment, as well as adequate financial compensation.
International Oversight: We call on international human rights organizations to monitor the situation and assist in ensuring that workers’ rights are respected and upheld by the Bangladeshi authorities.
JMBF stands in full solidarity with the garment workers of Bangladesh in their fight for justice, dignity, and the protection of their fundamental rights. We will continue to raise our voices in France and globally until justice is served.
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