Bangladesh
Worked to death - Bangladeshi garment workers take to the streets after workmate dies
On Wednesday (2nd Jan) this week several thousand garment workers from around 20 factories completely blocked a main highway from 8am to 5 pm in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh.
The action began when factory bosses locked out workers from SQ Sweaters Ltd in the Sheorapara area of the city; the lockout was in response to protests on the previous two nights when workers allegedly refused to work, seized management officials and held them hostage in the factory.
Bangladesh - aftermath of a cyclone
In recent days there have been demonstrations across those coastal areas of Bangladesh worst-hit by the 'Sidr' cyclone of 15 November.
For example; in Barguna on Sunday hundreds marched from a remote outlying village to demand food and clothing. Demonstrators were roughly handled by police and a delegation of twelve villagers were arrested and charged with "creating a chaos by gathering villagers".
Garment workers struggles escalate again in Bangladesh
Tejgaon, Dhaka; yesterday morning (Saturday) new clashes broke out in the city's industrial zone. Up to 25,000 garment workers came out on wildcat strike and fought both police and management-hired thugs. Over 50 people, including cops, were injured - some seriously.
The trouble began on Saturday morning at the Nasa Group factory. Supposedly one of the more 'responsible' employers - Nasa supply Primark in the UK and Wal-Mart in the USA amongst others - Nasa workers had been on strike for 2 days demanding payent of wage arrears, bonuses and extra holiday allowances.
Jute workers attack union leaders in Bangladesh amid wider unrest
RM examines a new wave of workers' struggle in Bangladesh.
Jute unrest
Bangladesh: 100 hurt as garment workers clash with police
Production in most parts of the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in Savar remained suspended throughout the day yesterday as clashes between workers and police left at least 100 people injured.
The fighting broke out as police charged baton on the garment workers fuming over unconfirmed reports that one of them was killed Thursday over the theft of a cellphone set.
Student revolt: riots across Bangladesh
A clash on Monday 20 Aug on Dhaka University campus, when students at a football game were manhandled by soldiers, has escalated into a nationwide student revolt.
Despite apologies for the assault from the government, their withdrawal of troops from Dhaka campus and the promise of an official enquiry, unrest has spread and become a more general protest against the caretaker government and its long-running State of Emergency.
Water, energy and crisis in Bangladesh
How water and electricity scarcity impacts on life and politics. Plus a brief look at the ongoing governmental crisis.
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The administration of most essential public utilities specially water and electricity is in serious jeopardy in the capital [Dhaka], causing untold suffering to the city dwellers.
The erratic power supply leads to disruption to smooth water supply to the city dwellers who are reeling from power and water crisis during the ongoing dry season.
Bangladesh: Strikes, clashes and party leaders to be exiled?
Following on from our previous report, workers at the four Khulna jute mills were locked out by bosses last week.
The lockout occurred in the south-west of the country on Thursday 20 April, following a week of strikes and demonstrations demanding payment of wage arrears and holiday allowances.
On Bangladesh today and tomorrow
After six months of effective martial law and widespread political purges imposed by military anti-corruption squads under the caretaker government, we now begin to hear reports of class struggle reappearing.
Much of last year was spent in conflict between the two main parties, the Bangladesh National Party (NBP) and the Awami League (AL), as they squabbled over the details of rules and procedures for the General Election. In an apparent bid to end the stalemate, and the increasing social instability it brought, a caretaker government was put in place in January 2007.
Bangladesh: 'State of Emergency' powers extended and tightened - strikes & demonstrations banned, media gagged
President Iajuddin Ahmed on Friday 26th Jan proclaimed the Emergency Powers Rules 2007 and indefinitely extended the existing state of emergency.
New powers ban various activities, including street protests, rallies and strikes, and impose heavy restrictions on all media. Penalties for breaking the rules are between 2 and 5 years of 'rigourous imprisonment' with offenders being dealt with by special 'speedy trial tribunals'.
Bangladeshi newspapers report;
