Dhaka, Sept 02 (V7N): Protests by workers demanding employment and equal job opportunities for men and women in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector have led to the closure of at least 30 factories in Ashulia. The demonstrations took place along the Nabinagar-Chandra and Baipail-Abdullahpur roads, causing significant disruptions.

The protests began this morning, with workers gathering in front of various factories located along the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and Baipail-Abdullahpur roads. As the situation escalated, the protesters blocked key points on the Nabinagar-Chandra and Baipail-Abdullahpur roads, throwing bricks and stones at factories and leading to severe traffic congestion.

According to the industrial police, the protests forced at least 30 factories in the area, including those under Hamim Group and Sharmin Group, to declare a holiday.

While the industrial police, with the assistance of army personnel, managed to clear the Baipail-Abdullahpur road, the blockade in front of the DEPZ on the Nabinagar-Chandra road remained unresolved at the time of reporting.

Md Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Industrial Police-1, stated, "Today's workers are protesting for employment. They also demand equal employment rates for men and women in garment factories, among other demands." He further mentioned that law enforcement agencies are continuing their efforts to resolve the issue.

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