On Friday morning, workers from a readymade garment factory in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to demand their 14-point list of grievances, including Eid and production bonuses. The protest disrupted vehicular movement for approximately one and a half hours, lasting until 11:30 AM, causing significant inconvenience for commuters.
The demonstration began around 8 AM inside a sweater factory in the Telipara area. By 10 AM, workers took their protest to the highway, halting traffic. According to police and local sources, the workers voiced strong dissatisfaction over various unpaid dues, including overtime pay, night shift allowances, maternity leave benefits, and annual bonuses. They also raised concerns about inconsistent production rate payments, which they say have forced them into protest.
The workers are demanding the payment of their overdue Eid bonuses, overtime dues, and other long-standing benefits. One of their key demands is the resignation of the factory's general manager, whom they accuse of mismanagement.
AKM Zahirul Islam, Superintendent of Police for Gazipur Industrial Zone-2, confirmed the incident, stating that the workers' demonstration was focused on their demands, particularly the Eid bonus. Following the protest, the Gazipur Metropolitan Police and industrial police were able to clear the highway and restore traffic flow by 11:30 AM.
The protest highlights ongoing labor disputes in Bangladesh's crucial garment sector, where workers frequently face delays in wage payments and insufficient benefits despite the industry’s significant role in the country's economy.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
