RMG workers block Dhaka-Tangail highway demanding salary arrears

Workers of Mahmud Jeans Limited garment factory in the Chandra Haritkitla area of Kaliakair upazila in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway on Thursday (November 28) from 9.00 am, demanding payment of overdue wages. The blockade resulted in traffic jams stretching for several kilometers on both sides of the highway.

The blockade caused significant disruptions, halting traffic on the crucial highway and affecting both passengers and drivers.

The Industrial Police stated that law enforcement officers are working to restore normal traffic by mediating between the factory owners and the protesting workers.

Police and factory workers reported that the protest stems from one month of unpaid wages, service benefits, and, in some cases, 6 to 9 months of overdue salaries and benefits for factory officials. Despite repeated promises from factory management to settle these dues, payments were not made.

Workers said they were assured that all overdue amounts would be paid today (Thursday). Consequently, both current and former employees arrived at the factory to collect their wages. However, around 8:30 am, management announced they were unable to pay due to insufficient funds. Frustrated, the workers blocked a nearby highway in protest.

This is not the first such incident. In August, employees of Mahmud Jeans Limited staged protests for several days over five months of unpaid wages. Although some payments were eventually made, several workers are still awaiting their dues.

Inspector Md. Azad Rahman of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 stated, "Today was scheduled for the workers to receive their overdue wages. Both current employees and former workers had gathered at the factory as planned to collect their payments."

"Around 8:30 AM, the factory management informed them that payments could not be made due to financial constraints. This prompted the workers to block the Dhaka-Tangail highway, leading to a significant traffic jam," he added.

The factory management could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.