Protest by garment workers blocks Dhaka-Aricha Highway again

The blockade has led to tailbacks of at least 7 km on both sides of the Savar road

Readymade garment factory workers have once again blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Savar to demand a wage hike and protest layoffs and the closure of their factory.

More than 500 workers of the “Dynamic Sweater Industries Limited” factory in Savar’s Ulail have been protesting on the highway since 10am on Monday, said Dhaka District Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Shahinur Kabir.

The blockade led to tailbacks that stretched for at least seven kilometres on both sides of the road, leading to suffering for commuters and pedestrians.

Witnesses say the workers were enraged when they came to work in the morning and saw a notice announcing the indefinite closure of the factory. At one point, the agitated workers blocked the highway.

Later, some of the workers attempted to convince workers from the neighbouring Ann Lima Garments and Al Muslim Garments factories but were not able to do so. Then, some of the agitated workers hurled brickbats and stones at Ann Lima Garments.

When the incident was reported, personnel from Savar Police Station, Industrial Police, Highway Police and the Army reached the spot. At one stage, the workers left the main lane of the highway and took up positions on the Dhaka-bound service lane. The workers left the road around 1pm.

Habibur Rahman, an operator at Dynamic Sweater Factory, said: “When we protested for a wage increase [piece rate] in December, the owners gave us assurances on the matter, but they did not follow through. When we went to the factory yesterday [Sunday] to discuss this with the owners, they refused to discuss it and, on the contrary, they put up a notice declaring the factory closed indefinitely. We are protesting the situation by blocking the road.”

Garment worker Zahid Hasan said, “The management mistreats us. They forcibly dismiss workers from their jobs... They have not paid overtime or festival pay either. So, we were forced to take to the streets.”

Dhaka District Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Shahinur Kabir said, “We are trying to convince the workers to clear the road.”

When asked about the situation, no officials at the Dynamic Sweater Industries Limited factory were willing to give a statement.

Jewel Miah, chief of Savar Model Police Station said: “Workers of a garment factory called Dynamic Sweater blocked the road with various demands. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue by talking to the law-enforcing agencies, the owners, and the workers. However, industrial police, police from the local police station, and Army personnel are at the scene to avoid any untoward incidents.”