Chaity Garments workers lift Dhaka-Ctg Highway blockade after assurance of talks over dues

Workers of Chaity Garments, who staged a blockade on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Narayanganj's Sonargaon over unpaid wages and Eid bonuses today (26 May), withdrew their protest after receiving assurances of talks with the authorities to resolve the issue.

The Highway Police, Sonargaon police and local administration rushed to the scene and initiated discussions with worker representatives and factory authorities.

Following assurances from the administration that talks would be held to resolve the issue, the workers eventually withdrew the blockade in the afternoon, allowing vehicular movement on the highway to resume, officials said.

Chaity Group Managing Director Md Abul Kalam said, "We have already paid our workers last month's salary, Eid bonus, and half of the current month of May's salary."

"Today, suddenly a group of workers blocked the road demanding payment of their earned festival dues. Later, after discussions with the local upazila administration, our association leaders, and labour representatives, we agreed to pay the amount after Eid. The workers also withdrew their blockade."

"There was no legal obligation to pay the May salary at this time, yet considering the interest of all workers, we have already paid them half of their salary," he said.

Earlier in the day, the protest took place in the Tipordi area, where reportedly hundreds of workers occupied the highway, causing severe traffic congestion stretching nearly 10 kilometres on both sides of the busy route.

The blockade triggered immense suffering for commuters and Eid holidaymakers travelling home ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

The agitating workers alleged that the factory management had failed to pay their full monthly salaries and festival bonuses despite repeated demands.

According to the workers, they were supposed to receive salaries by the 7th of the month, but even as the month nears end, they claim wages and bonuses have not been paid. 

That is why they were forced to take to the streets, they said.

According to local sources, the workers marched out of the factory and blocked the highway while chanting slogans demanding immediate payment of their dues.

However, Chaity Group Deputy Managing Director Ashik claimed that the company had already paid workers' full April salaries, along with half of May's salary and Eid bonuses.

"We do not know why such allegations were raised. We suspect there may be outside instigation behind the protest. We are now holding discussions with the administration. Traffic movement on the highway has returned to normal," he said.