Garment workers in Kaliakair, Gazipur, have again resorted to protests demanding a minimum wage of Tk 30,000. Around 9:00 am on Thursday, workers from several factories refused to report for work and instead took position on the Dhaka-Tangail highway in the Mouchak area, bringing vehicular movement on the busy route to a standstill.
According to police and worker sources, workers from several factories in the Mouchak area arrived at their workplaces this morning but did not join work, instead launching protests demanding a wage increase. Following the protests, the factories declared a holiday, after which the workers moved to the highway and blocked it. All factories in Mouchak and surrounding areas have now been declared closed.
Commuters Face Severe Disruption
The blockade has caused massive traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded. Many were seen walking to their destinations on foot. The Daily Star reported that workers from six garment factories in Kaliakair are participating in the blockade.Police Response
Police were dispatched to the scene after being informed. Shahidul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kaliakair Police Station, said, "We have been informed of the workers' demands. We are working to bring the situation under control." The rest of his statement was not included in the reports.This marks the second instance of labor unrest in the region in recent times over the demand for a minimum wage increase. Last month, workers had also blocked roads with similar demands, although this was not explicitly mentioned in the current reports. Further details regarding the workers' demands and the factory owners' stance are yet to be ascertained.
