Savar, Feb 17, (V7N) – Workers of Chain Apparels Limited garment factory in Ashulia, Dhaka, have staged a road blockade in protest of unpaid wages. The protest has disrupted traffic on the Bishmile-Zirabo Road in the Amtala area of Ashulia.
 
Since 8 AM on Sunday (February 16), the workers have been blocking the road, demanding the payment of last month's wages, which have not been paid yet. According to the workers, their wages are usually paid during the first week of the month, but the employer has failed to do so, prompting the protest that began on February 9.
 
The workers explained that when they arrived at the factory on Sunday morning, they found the factory closed. In response, they blocked the road outside the factory in protest.
 
One worker, Shahidul, said, "We are still waiting for last month's wages, which were supposed to be paid in the first week of this month. Instead, the employer has delayed payment and has now locked us out of the factory. We demand the reopening of the factory and payment of our outstanding wages. We are under pressure from landlords and shopkeepers to pay our dues."
 
The factory's Marketing and Merchandising Director, Md. Tarekul Islam, stated, "In the past, we have always paid the workers' wages on time. Although the owner has made various efforts to pay, the current banking situation is difficult due to the government's political situation. As a result, there has been a delay in payment. However, we are working to resolve the issue and pay the workers soon."
 
Regarding the protest, SP Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan of Industrial Police-1 said, "The workers have been blocking the road since morning, and our team is on-site. We are trying to contact the owner, but he is currently abroad. We have informed BGMEA as well. If the workers do not receive assurance from the owner or BGMEA, they will not clear the road. We are trying to resolve their legitimate demands."
 
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