Garment workers block Dhaka-Tangail highway for 2 hours demanding extended Eid holiday

Garment workers from Sterling Designs Limited, a Standard Group factory in Kaliakair of Gazipur, blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway this afternoon (24 March), demanding an extension of their Eid holiday.

The protest, which began around 1:30pm, resulted in a two-hour traffic disruption, causing significant sufferings for commuters.

Workers said they protested after learning they were granted only a three-day Eid holiday, while neighbouring factories reportedly offered 12 days. They demanded a five-day vacation.

According to police, Gazipur Industrial Police and district police initially attempted to disperse the crowd, but were unsuccessful. Later, army personnel assisted in clearing the highway, and traffic resumed around 3:30pm.

"The workers protested for several demands, including an extension of the holiday, and created a blockade by taking positions on the highway," said Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent AKM Zahirul Islam. 

"Later, when the police and army personnel went to convince the workers and removed them, traffic flow returned to normal," he added.