Gazipur RMG workers block highway in protest after female colleague killed in road crash
Readymade garment workers have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway since 8am today (6 May) after a female colleague was killed in a road accident in the Maleker Bari area of Gazipur.
The protest has halted vehicular movement on the highway, causing severe traffic congestion in both directions. Additionally, five to six nearby factories declared a day-long closure for security reasons following the unrest.
The deceased worker has been identified as Mst Champa Begum, 18, a helper at Interloop Garments, a local factory. She was fatally hit by a truck while crossing the road on her way to work around 7:30am.
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Confirming the worker's death, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) SM Ashraful Islam said, "Workers have blocked the highway. Vehicular movement has stopped. We are trying to control the situation by persuading the workers to leave the road."
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent AKM Zahirul Islam added, "For the safety of nearby factories, five to six of them have been given a holiday today. We are in discussions with the workers to end the blockade and resume traffic as soon as possible."
According to police and locals, the accident occurred when Champa Begum was crossing the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in the Maleker Bari area.
She was struck by a speeding, unidentified truck with no visible number plate while in the middle of the BRT lane. She died on the spot.
The incident sparked anger among nearby workers, who immediately took to the streets in protest. Police have since arrived at the scene and are working to restore normalcy.
