Workers block road protesting factory closures, unpaid wages in Savar, Gazipur
The protests led to traffic disruptions before law enforcement intervened
Garment workers in Savar and Gazipur staged protests this morning (25 March), blocking major roads to demand wages, Eid bonuses, and job security.
In Savar, workers demonstrated after their factory announced an indefinite closure, while in Gazipur, workers protested against unpaid salaries and bonuses.
The protests led to traffic disruptions before law enforcement intervened.
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In Savar's Hemayetpur Rishipara, workers of Jeans Manufacturing Company Ltd blocked the Hemayetpur-Singair regional road from 7:30am after finding their factory closed with an indefinite shutdown notice under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, which enforces a 'no work, no pay' policy.
They demanded a 10-day Eid holiday instead of the eight days granted by the management, along with payment for 20 working days of March and pending overtime wages.
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Tensions escalated after workers alleged that during a sit-in protest inside the factory yesterday (24 March), the management brought in outsiders, leading to a scuffle.
A worker claimed that an official was beaten and hospitalised.
"The trouble started yesterday when we staged a sit-in. The management brought in five to six outsiders, which triggered unrest. Later, an official was also beaten up, and I heard he is now hospitalised," said a sewing operator requesting anonymity.
The factory's closure notice stated that operations were suspended due to vandalism, violence, and unrest caused by some workers.
However, police refuted claims of arrests and denied any case being filed against workers.
"Workers blocked the road to press their demands. Later, we convinced them to leave. There has been no vandalism or violence in the factory, and no case has been filed," said Savar Model police station Officer-in-Charge Jewel Miah.
Workers withdrew from the road at 9:30am after army officials intervened but continued their demonstration in front of the factory.
Discussions between the factory management and workers were ongoing as of 1pm, according to police sources.
Meanwhile, in Gazipur's Kaliakair upazila, workers of Hagh Knitwears Ltd blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway from 7:30am to 8:30am, demanding three months' due wages and Eid bonuses.
The protest caused severe traffic disruptions before police, industrial police, and army personnel intervened.
According to workers, they had been seeking their wages for several days, but the factory management did not respond. When they arrived at the factory this morning, they found the main gate locked, prompting them to take to the streets.
"The workers were removed from the highway after discussions. Traffic movement is now normal," said Mouchak police outpost Inspector Abdus Selim.
Workers continued their protest in front of the factory after vacating the road.
Attempts to contact the factory owner were unsuccessful as their phone remained switched off.
