Garment workers block Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur

A group of workers at a garment factory staged a protest by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur on Friday, March 14. The protest began at 9:30 am, causing a complete halt to traffic on both sides of the highway and leading to significant disruption for commuters.

According to the workers and police, around 250 to 300 workers are employed at Smug Sweater Ltd in the Telipara area of Gazipur. The workers received an Eid bonus of 25% of their salary, but they are demanding a 50% bonus.

After authorities refused to meet their demand, the workers initially stopped work inside the factory and later blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Telipara. This resulted in the suspension of traffic on both sides of the highway.

The workers also stated that, in addition to a higher Eid bonus, they are demanding overtime pay, maternity leave benefits, lunch allowances, annual leave, and other 14 specific demands.

Kauser Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Basan police station, stated that the workers had received their salaries on time, and the bonus had been paid according to government regulations. Despite this, the workers continued their protest, demanding a higher bonus. The police are working to remove them from the highway.