RMG workers block highways in Gazipur over unpaid salaries

Workers of Alema Textile Limited in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways this (17 March) morning, demanding unpaid wages and protesting irregular salary payments.

The demonstration began around 8:30am in the Bhogra Bypass area, causing significant traffic congestion.

Upon receiving reports of the blockade, the army, metropolitan police, and industrial police arrived at the scene and persuaded the workers to leave. Traffic resumed after about 30 minutes.

Alema Textile factory workers claimed they had not received salaries for up to three months and that payments were often made in instalments rather than in full.

Alom, a worker from the factory, said, "The factory authorities do not pay salaries regularly. Many workers have three months' salary arrears. They pay in instalments instead of at once. That is why we blocked the highways, demanding a solution."

Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent AKM Zahirul Islam said, "Workers of a garment factory briefly blocked the highway in the Bhogra area. Later, we were able to persuade them to move off the road, and traffic resumed."

He added that law enforcement remains alert ahead of Eid to address workers' concerns while ensuring public movement on roads is not disrupted.