In Bangladesh, workers of five garment factories in Gazipur have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for the 3rd consecutive day, demanding payment of outstanding wages and allowances, as well as the reopening of closed factories. The blockade caused severe traffic congestion on about 20 kilometres along the highway, according to Gazipur Traffic Police Inspector. The workers who took to the highway on Saturday continued their demonstration on Monday morning, leading to severe traffic congestion and creating immense hardships for commuters.
The workers were demanding the payment of their three months’ overdue wages and vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, reports United News of Bangladesh (UNB). Due to the protest, at least 20 garment factories in the surrounding area declared a holiday to avert trouble.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police, industrial police, and army personnel were trying to remove the workers from the highway, but they remained firm in their stance and were staying on the road. The Industrial Police Superintendent, Sarwar Alam, said efforts were being made to communicate with the factory owners to resolve the issue. He also said the workers were urged to leave the highway with hopes of resolving the matter by the end of the day, reports UNB.
