Ceramics workers block highway in Gazipur over arrears, other demands

Workers of a ceramics factory in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur this morning (27 July) blocked the busy Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for approximately two hours to press home a 10-point demand, including payment of outstanding wages and the removal of Indian officials from the factory.

The protest, staged by employees of RAK Ceramics Ltd in the Jaina Bazar area from around 7:30am, brought vehicular movement to a complete standstill, causing long tailbacks on both sides of the highway and severe disruption to commuters.

Police said members of the force and industrial police personnel reached the spot shortly after the protest began and asked workers to leave.

But when they refused, a chase and counter-chase followed. Officers then used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. The situation was brought under control by 10am.

According to local sources, workers demanded that the minimum wage be raised to Tk7,000 and promotions be ensured every three years.

Factory worker Hanif Miah told TBS that they had no choice but to take to the streets.

"We want our Tk1,500 attendance bonus, the reinstatement of our old benefits, and the Indian officers to be removed. The layoffs must stop."

Another worker, Manik, said their promised dues have not been paid for seven months, adding, "They keep delaying with excuses. We have families to support and school fees to pay. We've been left with no option but to protest."

Abdur Razzak, an officer from the HR and Admin department of RAK Ceramics, said discussions are ongoing with the company's higher authorities.

He alleged that some workers were incited to block the road without allowing time for negotiations.

Sreepur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Barik said, "We tried to convince the workers to leave peacefully, but they responded by throwing brick chips. Tear gas and sound grenades were used to bring the situation under control."