Gazipur witnessed a wave of labour unrest as workers of Ismog Sweater, a garment factory in the Telipara area, staged a protest demanding Eid bonuses, a 25% production bonus, night and tiffin allowances, and other pending payments.
The demonstration escalated into a blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, leading to severe traffic congestion.
The protest began around 10am on Friday (14 March), with workers refusing to commence their shifts and instead taking to the streets.
As the blockade persisted, long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
Many were forced to walk or seek alternative routes to reach their destinations.
According to police and local sources, approximately 1,200 workers are employed at the Ismog Sweater factory.
The protesting workers alleged that despite years of service, they have been deprived of overtime wages, night shift allowances, maternity leave benefits, and annual bonuses.
Additionally, they claimed that their production rate is unfairly determined, exacerbating financial hardships.
Frustrated by these grievances, they launched a 14-point demand, including the resignation of the factory's general manager.
To contain the situation, personnel from the Gazipur Metropolitan Police and the Industrial Police were deployed to the scene.
Superintendent of Police (SP) AKM Zahidul Islam stated that efforts were underway to restore order and ease the traffic disruption.
The unrest underscores ongoing tensions in the garment sector, with workers increasingly vocal about wage discrepancies and poor labour conditions ahead of Eid celebrations.
