Protests in Gazipur as garment worker dies after being 'denied sick leave'

The demonstration in the Vogra Bypass area brings traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to a standstill

Workers from Panorama Apparels in Gazipur have taken to the streets in protest, alleging that one of their colleagues died after being denied sick leave by the factory management.

The demonstration began in the Vogra Bypass area around 8:30am on Monday, leading to gridlock stretching over 3 km on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway.

"A worker at Panorama Garments in the Bypass Mor area fell ill on Sunday. Despite his condition, the management refused to grant leave for medical treatment and the worker later died," said Gazipur Metropolitan Police ADC (Traffic) Ashok Kumar Pal.

"When news of the death spread among the workers, they took to the streets in protest on Monday morning," he added.

The protests escalated as workers occupied the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill. The congestion extended from Vogra Bypass Mor in the south to Board Bazar and up to Chandana Chowrasta in the north.

Law-enforcing agencies are working to bring the situation under control. However, as of 10:15am, the protest was still ongoing, according to traffic police official Ashok Kumar.

The identity of the dead worker has not yet been confirmed.