Gazipur, Sep 23 (V7N)- Workers from several factories in Gazipur and Ashulia staged protests on Monday, causing significant disruptions, including road blockades on the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways. The protests were driven by demands for unpaid wages, bonuses, and other benefits.

In Gazipur, workers from Golden Refit Garments blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway at Bagher Bazar with a 12-point list of demands, including an increase in attendance bonuses. After negotiations, factory authorities agreed to eight of these demands, including the attendance bonus, tiffin, and night bills. However, the blockade caused severe traffic disruptions.

Similarly, workers from Kokola Food Products in Kaliakair, Gazipur, protested against the indefinite closure of their factory. Despite the shutdown, workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway and entered the factory to vandalize equipment. Joint forces eventually dispersed the crowd and restored order, arresting three individuals.

In Tongi, Gazipur, workers of Seasons Dresses Limited took to the streets demanding unpaid salaries for July and August. Despite earlier assurances, the factory owners failed to pay the outstanding wages, leading to further road blockades. The factory has a history of wage disputes, and workers expressed frustration over the continuous delays in salary payments.

In Ashulia, protests led to production halts in at least 19 factories. Workers from Generation Next Garments blocked the Tongi-Ashulia-EPZ road, demanding unpaid wages and improved benefits, including tiffin and night bills. Many factories along the road have ceased operations as tensions rise.

Authorities are in talks with factory owners to resolve the issues, while industrial police and local officials are monitoring the situation. The unrest reflects ongoing struggles within the garment industry over worker rights and timely wage payments, exacerbating tensions in the region.

END/MSS/AJ