Garment workers in Gazipur lifted their blockade on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway after one and a half hours, following assurances from authorities regarding their 14-point demand, including Eid bonuses.
Workers from Ismox Sweater Factory staged a protest on Friday (March 14) morning, demanding their due overtime pay, maternity leave benefits, production rate adjustments, and Eid bonuses. They refused to join work and took to the highway at 10:00 AM, causing massive traffic congestion.
Commuters faced severe disruptions as the highway remained blocked for over an hour. Many were forced to walk or seek alternative routes.
Gazipur Industrial Zone-2 Superintendent of Police, AKM Zahidul Islam, confirmed to Kalbela that authorities, including industrial police and the army, intervened to negotiate with the protesters. By 11:30 AM, traffic resumed on the highway.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that the protesting workers claimed that nearly 1,200 employees of Ismox Sweater Factory have long been deprived of rightful benefits, including overtime payments and annual allowances. Frustrated with the situation, they took to the streets, demanding justice.
LND/BG
