Workers from 7 RMG factories in Gazipur, known for its industrial output, have taken to the streets in protest, demanding improvements in wages and benefits.
Their actions have led to a complete standstill on key roadways, including the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, Dhaka-Tangail Highway, and the Chandra-Nabinagar Highway, said Police Superintendent Sarwar Alam of Gazipur Industrial Police-2.
From the morning of Tuesday (17 September) workers across various locations, including Chandra in Kaliakair Upazila, Shirirchala in Gazipur Sadar, and Tongi BSCIC, have initiated strikes and demonstrations.
The unrest began as workers from Mahmood Jeans and Niagara Textile Limited on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway announced a work stoppage at 11am on Tuesday (17 September).
They subsequently blocked the road. Concurrently, workers from Beximco Group in Chandra-Nabinagar also blocked the road in protest of unpaid wages.
In another development, workers at Executive High Fashion Limited in Shirirchala, Gazipur Sadar, have also declared a work stoppage.
In Tongi, employees of Season Dress have protested for overdue wages, blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway at around noon and causing a halt in vehicular movement.
Moreover, workers at Tasmia Herbal Limited in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, have staged a protest starting at 8:30am, demanding an increase in their wages among eight other conditions.
Additionally, Veritas Pharmaceutical Limited employees have initiated a movement with nine demands, including a wage increase.
Police said efforts are underway to mediate between the workers and the factory owners. Both the police and the army are working to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
