Workers block Dhaka-Sylhet highway demanding unpaid salaries, Eid bonus

Garment workers blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Rupganj, Narayanganj, protesting demanding two months' unpaid wages and Eid bonuses.

The blockade caused a nearly one-hour-long gridlock on both sides of the highway, resulting in immense suffering for commuters and the general public.

The protest was organised around 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 11, by workers of a factory named 'Bhuiya Fabrics' in the Khadun area of Tarabo municipality.

Workers alleged that although approximately 400 workers are employed at the factory, salaries for January and February and Eid bonuses have not yet been paid. Despite repeated assurances from the management, the dues remain unpaid.

Workers said they came to the factory on Wednesday morning only to learn that the unpaid wages and bonuses would be paid on March 18. Enraged by this, they took to the highway and began their blockade.

The blockade resulted in a traffic jam stretching nearly eight kilometres, causing severe hardship for office-goers, long-distance transport passengers and the public.

Later, following intervention by the administration, the management assured that the unpaid wages and bonuses would be paid on Thursday (March 12). Workers then withdrew the blockade and returned to work. Traffic gradually returned to normal.

Rupganj Police Station Sub-Inspector Humayun Ahmed said workers lifted the blockade after assurances from the management, and the situation is now normal.