Garment workers block Dhaka–Sylhet Highway in Rupganj to demand backpay

The blockade causes long tailbacks on both sides of the highway

Garment workers have blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway in Narayanganj’s Rupganj, demanding payment of outstanding wages.

The protest began around 10am on Saturday in the Barpa area, disrupting traffic for hours, according to Industrial Police Inspector Selim Badsha.

Vehicular movement remained suspended until at least 12:30pm due to the blockade, causing long tailbacks on both sides of the highway, he said.

According to the police official, wages for 70 to 80 workers of a factory named BRE Brothers have been unpaid since last month. Although salaries were scheduled to be disbursed on Thursday, they were not paid, prompting more than 200 workers to stop work and take to the road.

Factory authorities said payment could not be made on Saturday as banks were closed, but assured workers the dues would be cleared on Monday.

Selim said talks involving workers, factory management and law enforcement were under way to resolve the dispute.