Gazipur, Nov 11 (V7N) — Workers from five factories of T&Z Group in Mogarkhal, Gazipur, lifted a three-day blockade on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway at Bhogra, ending a 53-hour standoff. The blockade, initiated on Saturday at 9:30 am to demand three months of overdue wages, was finally lifted around 2 pm on Monday, allowing traffic to resume.

Assistant Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, Mosharraf Hossain, reported that the Ministry of Industries' Secretary addressed the workers via an audio message, promising their wage payments. Initially, the government has arranged a payment of Tk 60 million to the workers, with further discussions to follow for the remaining dues.

A meeting between workers and employers will be held at the Ministry of Labor to negotiate full payment, with a five-member team of factory workers, led by Gazipur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ershad Mia, set to attend. Final decisions on settling the arrears will be made during this meeting.

Authorities, including the Gazipur Metropolitan Police, Industrial Police, Army, and BJP members, were present to oversee the workers' dispersal from the highway. This allowed vehicles trapped in extensive traffic jams on both sides of the blockade to begin moving gradually.

The prolonged road blockade had severely impacted commuters, especially on Monday morning, when workers, stationed on the highway since Saturday, intensified their demonstration. Workers expressed determination to continue their protest until their wages were settled but agreed to clear the highway after assurances of payment.

Meanwhile, at least 20 garment factories in the area had to shut down temporarily due to the impact of the protest, reflecting the wider disruptions caused by the workers' movement.

END/MSS/AJ