Garment workers in the Mouchak area of Gazipur's Kaliakair upazila blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway on Tuesday to demand increased wages, bringing traffic to a standstill in both directions. The blockade, which began around 11:00 AM, was still ongoing at 1:15 PM.
According to police and local sources, workers of Essential Clothing Limited gathered in front of their factory in the Aklichala area around 10:00 AM to protest for higher wages. They later brought out a procession and took position on the Kaliakair-Fulbaria regional road.
During the protest, demonstrators allegedly pressured surrounding factories to suspend their operations and hurled bricks at the gates of several establishments. To prevent further escalation and maintain law and order, authorities declared a holiday for 15 factories in the vicinity.
Around 11:00 AM, workers dispersed and occupied various points of the Dhaka-Tangail highway from Mouchak to Konabari. The total shutdown of the major highway completely disrupted vehicular movement on both sides.
Highlighting the financial distress faced by workers, Habibur Rahman, a participant in the protest, said, "The prices of everything in the market have gone up, but the value of our labor has not. Our wages must be increased, otherwise, we will continue our movement."
Echoing similar concerns, another worker, Karima Begum, stated, "It is impossible to run a family with the current salary we receive; we are struggling immensely. Both my husband and I work, yet we can barely make ends meet. That is why we have taken to the streets to demand a pay rise."
Despite attempts, no official comments could be obtained from the factory management regarding the ongoing protests.
