Unpaid wages: Gazipur RMG workers block Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for over 12hrs

Readymade garment workers from TNZ Apparels Limited staged a demonstration over unpaid wages today, blocking Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur.

The demonstration that started at 9:30am in the Maleker Bari area halted vehicular movement and caused 15km traffic congestion on both sides of the highway and 7km tailback on the Tangail side of the Dhaka-Tangail highway.

After several discussions between law enforcers and workers, the blockade was lifted at around 10pm.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (crime) Nazir Ahmed at around 7pm said they had multiple rounds of discussions with the workers since morning.

"Initially, the workers said they would lift the blockade by 2pm, later changing it to 5pm, then again to 10pm" he said.

He added, "Even if the owners are unable to pay the full wages, paying a partial amount could lead the workers to accept the situation."

According to sources from Gazipur Industrial Police and workers, T&Z Apparels, located in the Maleker Bari area of Gazipur city, has been closed by the authorities without paying the workers' outstanding wages. 

They said six factories of the company have unpaid wages for September and October.

"The owners have closed the factory without paying our wages. We have been protesting for some time now to get our outstanding wages," said Abul Kalam, a factory worker who was participating in the demonstration.

Despite repeated promises through the police and the army regarding payment dates, the management has yet to pay the wages, added Kalam.

The TNZ Apparels management has yet to make any statement on the matter.

Meanwhile, workers of ABM Fashion Limited, another garment factory in Gazipur's Konabari area, also stopped work and were demonstrating over a 17-point demand this morning. 

Gazipur Industrial Police officials told reporters that 10 factories in Gazipur are currently shut down due to protests and other reasons.