Bangladesh

Violence has erupted in Bangladesh following protests that began on Monday, January 5 demonstrating against last year’s controversial elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) called the protest on the first anniversary of the election which they say was unfair and resulted in the incumbent Awami League retaining power. At least 7 people have been confirmed dead in clashes between police and BNP activists.(Reuters)/(The Wall Street Journal)

At least 20 workers were injured when a fire broke out at a garment factory in the Sagorika area of Chittagong on January 4. Investigators say that a short circuit ignited the blaze, which quickly spread through the facility. All of the injured workers are expected to make full recoveries. (The New Nation)

Five people were injured when a boiler exploded at a factory in Narayanganj on the evening of January 3. The factory had closed for business for the day, though several people were in the building when the blast occurred. All five injured persons were immediately hospitalized. (Bangla News 24)

Workers at a garment factory in Ashulia staged a protest on January 8 against the firing of some of their colleagues. Workers and industrial police say that 26 workers were fired after asking for higher salaries on January 7, which sparked the demonstration. (Dhaka Tribune)