Police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a crowd of protesting workers

Police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a crowd of protesting workers in the city of Gazipur on 30 August 2008. The workers staged the demonstration outside local garment factories to demand higher wages and improved working conditions from management. Authorities stated that at least 10,000 people took part in the protests. Police officials claim some of the workers became violent and attacked officers with bamboo sticks. Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of people were injured by the tear gas and rubber bullets. Despite a government ban on such demonstrations, garment workers have staged several protests in the last few months to demand an increase in their minimum monthly salaries.