RMG workers block Dhaka-Ctg highway for arrears in Narayanganj

Workers of a garment factory in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon blocked the Dhaka–Chattogram highway for around three hours today, demanding payment of full wages for the current month and arrears of leave benefits. The blockade caused several kilometres of tailback, prompting police to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the agitating workers in front of Chaity Composite at Tripordi. Anowarul Haque, inspector (intelligence) of Industrial Police-4 in Narayanganj, said the workers began the blockade around 1:00pm. They were removed from the highway around 3:30pm through a joint operation by industrial police, district police, and local administration. “Tear gas shells and rubber bullets were fired during the operation, but no casualties were reported,” he said.

Factory workers and police sources said the management of Chaity Composite Limited paid only half of the current month’s wages, while workers had been demanding full payment along with arrears of earned leave for several days. Earlier in the morning, workers gathered in front of the factory with their demands. At one stage, they took to the highway and blocked traffic. This correspondent could not reach the factory owner for comment as the phone remained switched off.

Golam Sarwar, officer-in-charge of Sonargaon Police Station, said vehicular movement resumed around 4:00pm after police brought the situation under control.