Worker protest triggers traffic jam in Gazipur

Workers of the Taratex Fashion Ltd garment factory in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway on Wednesday morning demanding their one-month overdue wages, causing traffic to come to a halt on both sides of the road and resulting in a five-kilometer-long jam.

Starting at around 9am, workers of the factory took position on the highway in Gazipur, demanding payment of their unpaid wages for November.

The protesting workers said they will continue their protest until our overdue wages are paid.

They complained that without their salaries, they cannot repay debts or rent, adding that admission to schools and colleges for their children next month is also becoming uncertain.

Some residents took to Facebook to urge drivers and passengers on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to use alternative routes mentioning the blockade.

Traffic Police Inspector Al Mamun said all types of vehicular movement on the highway have been disrupted, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Meanwhile, Mizanur Rahman, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, said police have repeatedly tried to communicate with the factory management to resolve the issue and pay the workers their overdue wages.

However, the management has failed to do so, leading to the protest, he added.

"The Industrial Police is at the spot, and we are trying to bring the situation under control."