Dhaka, Nov. 1 -- Garment workers' protests over minimum wages have unsettled industrial areas in Mirpur, Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur, with clashes, vandalism and arson reported in a fresh wave of unrest across the region.

Workers demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 stopped work and took to the streets, blocking roads in several areas on Sunday.

Clashes broke out between workers and police in Mirpur and Kaliakair Upazila of Gazipur.

Police used batons, tear gas and sound grenades to disperse protesters.

Authorities declared holidays at more than 300 factories in the four industrial areas.

Industrial Police said 177 factories in Savar and Ashulia and more than 100 in Gazipur were closed for the day.

Police said 29 people were...