Workers of a garment factory have been blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway for the past 48 hours, demanding three months' overdue wages.
Despite multiple discussions initiated by joint law enforcement units, the protesting workers have refused to budge, leaving the highway gridlocked and significantly affecting industrial operations.
On Monday (11 November) severe public suffering was observed around Gazipur’s Bhogra Bypass and Maleker Bari areas due to the ongoing blockade.
The protest has led to a 40-kilometre traffic congestion on the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways.
According to traffic police, as the main entry and exit points to and from Dhaka remain obstructed, alternative routes have been advised for vehicular movement.
The protest commenced on Saturday (9 November), at approximately 9:30am, when workers of TNZ Apparels Limited, situated in Gazipur’s Maleker Bari, initiated the demonstration.
By 11 am, they had blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, resulting in severe traffic congestion and immense public distress.
Commuters, drivers, and people from various professions, including school and college students, have been heavily impacted.
In light of the unrest and resulting highway disruption, at least 30 factories across various parts of Gazipur have declared temporary closures, as confirmed by factory authorities.
Efforts to negotiate with the protesting workers by law enforcement agencies have so far failed to yield a resolution.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic), Ibrahim Khan said the protest is ongoing, with workers maintaining a firm stance.
He noted that traffic movement on the main route has been suspended for two days, although vehicles are utilising alternative routes.
