Garment workers block highway after colleague’s death, allege factory negligence
Workers of a garment factory in Narayanganj's Bandar upazila blocked the Dhaka–Chattogram highway today (3 November), alleging that a fellow worker died due to being denied leave despite being ill.
The blockade began around 10am at the Madanpur section of the highway and was lifted around 12pm following discussions with police and local administration officials.
The protest disrupted traffic for nearly two hours, causing a six-kilometre jam on the Chattogram-bound lane.
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According to workers, their colleague, employed at Lariz Fashion in Bandar, had been unwell and requested leave from the management yesterday (2 November).
They alleged that the management ignored her request and compelled her to continue working. The woman later collapsed on the factory floor and was taken to a local hospital.
As her condition worsened, she was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
The protesting workers claimed that the factory management was responsible for her death, arguing that she was denied timely medical attention. They demanded the arrest of officials they held accountable.
Shimul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lariz Fashion, denied the allegations.
"Yesterday, one of our workers fell ill and was immediately taken to a local hospital. When her condition worsened, she was taken to Dhaka Medical Hospital, where she passed away. We are not at fault for this," he said.
He added that the company had covered all burial expenses and promised assistance to the deceased's family.
"We also agreed to dismiss those responsible for that floor as the workers demanded, but they still blocked the road," Shimul said.
Liaquat Ali, officer-in-charge of Bandar Police Station, said, "The workers launched the protest claiming that the factory management was responsible for their colleague's death. Police and other law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene, held discussions with them, and later cleared the highway. The situation is now normal."
