RMG workers block Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur over unpaid wages

Workers of a readymade garment (RMG) factory in Gazipur's Tongi staged a protest by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, demanding one month's unpaid wages.

They blocked the highway near the Hossain Market area for about an hour, from 9am to 10am, this morning (17 May). 

The blockade caused long traffic jams on both sides of the highway, leaving commuters suffering.

According to police and workers, around 1,300 workers are employed at BHIS Apparels Limited, located on Ledu Molla Road in the Hossain Market area of Tongi. 

Following their arrival at the factory this morning, the workers began the work stoppage, demanding payment of one month's unpaid wages. 

Later, around 9am, they blocked the highway adjacent to the factory, disrupting vehicular movement on both sides.

Upon receiving the news, members of the Industrial Police, Gazipur Metropolitan Police, and Bangladesh Army arrived at the scene and began working to persuade the workers to clear the highway. 

After being assured by the security forces that their unpaid wages would be settled quickly by the factory owners, the agitated workers lifted the blockade around 10am.

"Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway is now normal," said AKM Zahirul Islam, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police.