Garment workers block roads in Mohakhali, causing massive traffic jam

The workers have taken up positions on the road to demand two months of backpay and allowances, police say

Garment factory workers have blocked roads near Dhaka's Mohakhali Bus Terminal to demand unpaid wages, causing massive traffic jams amid the morning rush hour.

Additional Commissioner of Industrial Area Police Imran Hossain said NASSA Mainland Garments workers started their protest around 10am on Wednesday by taking up positions on the roads adjacent to Tejgaon Link Road, Nabisco and Mohakhali Bus Terminal.

"They have blocked the road to demand their salaries and allowances. As a result, traffic jams have formed. We are trying to convince them to clear the way," Imran said.

The protesting workers say their salaries are in arrears for two months, forcing them to take to the streets.

The blockade of the crucial thoroughfare in the capital has led to suffering for commuters amid the morning rush.

As a knock-on effect, congestion has begun spreading to roads and alleyways around Mohakhali, blocking both sides of key routes.

Jahangir, a volunteer at the Mohakhali Bus Terminal, said they are directing vehicles heading towards the Satrasta intersection to take a U-turn at the Mohakhali Railgate and pursue alternative routes with the help of the police.

The blockade of the major capital thoroughfare has led to suffering for commuters amid the morning rush.