Dhaka, Oct. 31 -- Garment workers brought Ashulia's industrial belt to a standstill on Saturday, clashing with police over wages, alleged blacklisting and job security.

Six police officers and several workers and passers-by were reported injured, while owners shut 25 factories to prevent damage.

The unrest spread from Gazipur, where workers also blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Highway.

In Ashulia, protesters demanded a minimum wage of Tk 30,000, an end to alleged blacklisting, safer workplaces and a halt to arbitrary dismissals.

Tension rose early in Kathgara Bazar, Noyapara, Zirabo and Nischintapur, as workers left factories and began demonstrations. Groups threw bricks and stones at plants including Continental, AR Jeans and CW, smashing ...