Russell Apparels employees block Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway demanding arrears and Eid bonus

Traffic on the busy route resumes after half an hour after police cleared the protesters

Workers from Russell Apparels Limited have brought traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Bhaluka Upazila to a standstill in the morning, protesting against unpaid wages and Eid bonuses.

The demonstration took place at Kanthali on Monday, as employees voiced frustration over delayed payments.

Long queues of vehicles quickly formed, creating significant inconvenience for commuters and transport operators alike.

Md Farhad Hossain Khan, chief of Industrial Police-5 in Bhaluka, said the protest lasted about 30 minutes.

Police intervened to remove the workers from the highway, after which traffic flow resumed around 11am.

The blockade highlighted ongoing concerns in the ready-made garment sector regarding timely wage payments and the fulfilment of statutory benefits, particularly ahead of major festive periods.

[Updates to follow]