RMG workers block 2 major highways in Gazipur over unpaid wages

Hundreds of workers from a yarn manufacturing factory staged a demonstration in Gazipur on Thursday morning, demanding several months of unpaid wages. The protest led to the blockade of two major highways, causing severe disruption to traffic and daily commuters.

The workers of Shin Yuen (Bulbul Knit) factory began the protest around 7:30 am at Chandna Chowrasta, a key intersection in the Gazipur Metropolitan area. In response to the roadblock, traffic on the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways came to a complete standstill, resulting in significant suffering for travelers.

Workers allege that the factory, operated by Chinese ownership, has not paid salaries for several months. Despite repeated efforts to contact the management, no representatives were available, and the factory’s owners have reportedly been absent for an extended period.

“We have no other demands—just pay our wages,” said Amena Khatun, a factory worker. “If we don’t get paid, we can’t feed our families.”

“I haven’t paid rent for two months,” said another worker, Suruj Mia. “If this continues, I’ll be evicted with my family.”

Law enforcement, including members of the industrial police and armed forces, arrived at the scene shortly after the protest began. Officials are currently mediating between the workers and the factory management in an effort to defuse the situation.

Superintendent of Police AKM Zahidul Islam of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 said, “We are in communication with the protesting workers and are working to restore normalcy. We hope the situation will be resolved soon.”

The blockade has caused major delays on two of the region’s busiest highways, stranding thousands of commuters, including office-goers, students, and transport operators.