Dhaka-Tangail highway traffic eases amid RMG workers's demo demanding dues

Workers of a garment factory Mahmud Jeans Limited in Gazipur's Kaliakoir staged a demonstration blocking the Dhaka-Tangail highway all day, demanding their due wages. 

The blockade began at 9am today (28 November) causing traffic congestion stretching several kilometres on both sides. However, at around 8pm, the blockade was lifted on one side of the highway easing the congestion somewhat.

As traffic on this vital highway connecting Dhaka to the country's northern region came to a halt, passengers and drivers faced significant difficulties all day long. 

According to the Industrial Police, law enforcement officials negotiated with the factory owners and the workers to restore traffic flow on the highway.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kawsar Ahmed said the factory owner's son went to the factory in the evening to discuss the workers' dues. 

"Discussions are underway with the workers. We hope a peaceful solution will be reached by tonight."

In the meantime, the police are continuing efforts to completely normalise traffic by tonight, he added.

Earlier today, Royes Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Naojor Highway Police Station, said, "Traffic on the Dhaka-Tangail highway has been disrupted due to the roadblock by workers of a garment factory in Chandra, Kaliakair. Efforts are underway to negotiate with the workers and remove them from the highway. Once the workers leave, traffic will resume."

Police and workers reported that the protest erupted over unpaid dues, including one month's outstanding wages for workers, service benefits, and delayed salaries of six to nine months for some factory officials. 

Md Azad Rahman, an inspector of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, said, "The factory was supposed to pay the workers their dues this morning. As a result, both current workers and former employees who had left for other factories gathered at the premises. But at 8:30am, the management announced they could not pay due to lack of funds, leading the workers to block the highway."

The workers further said in August, they had to stage a prolonged demonstration for unpaid wages, which had accumulated to five months at that time. Although the owners settled some payments then, dues for some workers remained.

The factory authorities could not be reached for comment yet.