Hundreds of readymade garment (RMG) workers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway at Azampur in Uttara on Wednesday and demanding a significant wage hike and causing severe traffic gridlock across the capital's northern gateway.
Workers from several garment factories in the Dakshinkhan and Uttara areas began gathering in the morning before taking to the highway around 11:00 AM. The demonstration halted vehicle movement on one side of the highway, stranding commuters and leaving public transport passengers forced to travel on foot to reach their destinations.
Police officers quickly responded to the scene and held discussions with the protesting workers to alleviate the public disruption.
Al Amin Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Division Police, stated that officers persuaded the demonstrators to clear the main road around 1:30 PM, partially restoring traffic flow. However the groups of workers subsequently repositioned near the Airport Roundabout, prompting law enforcement to remain on high alert to maintain order.
The protest follows a similar demonstration on Monday where RMG workers blocked the same stretch demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk.30,000. Authorities confirmed that dialogue between factory managements, worker representatives and police is ongoing to resolve the wage disputes peacefully.
