Employees of Keya Knit Composite Garment Factory in the Jarun area of Gazipur city have launched a strike demanding their overdue salaries and bonuses.
The protest began around 7am on Tuesday, with workers blocking the Konabari-Kashimpur regional road. By 10am, the industrial police had intervened, dispersing the protesters and restoring normal traffic flow.
This marks the second day of protests. Currently, workers have ceased work and are remaining inside the factory premises.
Following Monday afternoon's unrest, Eid bonuses were disbursed to employees of Keya Spinning Mill. However, the workers continued their strike, pressing for the payment of outstanding wages.
Workers reported that salaries for February and March, as well as Eid bonuses, remain unpaid. These payments were due on March 22 but were not disbursed by the factory management.
Both workers and staff members have experienced delays in salary payments for several months.
Around 8,000 workers from various branches of Keya Knit Composite Limited, including Keya Spinning Mills, Keya Cotton, Keya Yarn Mills, Keya Knit Composite, Keya Dyeing and Knitting, and Keya Cosmetics, participated in the protest.
Additionally, leave allowances for the past two years have not been granted, prompting the workers to take to the streets in protest.
Saleha Akhtar, one of the protesting workers, said: "We came here to work, not to protest. But hunger is driving us to demand our unpaid salaries, Eid bonuses, and annual leave allowances."
Maruf, another worker, highlighted that while Eid bonuses were provided to some branches, others, including Keya Knit Composite (Garments), Keya Dyeing and Knitting, and Keya Cosmetics, have yet to disburse these benefits, prompting the ongoing protest.
Requesting anonymity, a staff member revealed: "We fear losing our jobs if we demand our salaries. It's been six months since we received any payment. How are we supposed to survive?"
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Deepak Chandra Majumdar of Gazipur Industrial Police, stationed at Kashimpur Zone, confirmed the workers' protest, noting that authorities had urged them to disperse from the roads. However, the workers have vowed to continue their agitation until their dues are settled.
Suman Mia, administrative officer of Keya Knit Composite Garment Factory, assured that outstanding salaries and bonuses for February would be disbursed to the workers. He added that some sections had already received their bonuses the previous day.
