Garment workers protesting in Dhaka’s Tejgaon Industrial Area over unpaid dues left the road after nearly two hours on Tuesday.
However, traffic congestion persisted in the area due to the prolonged blockade.
Confirming the matter, Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Tejgaon Division Md Rafiqul Islam said: “The workers left the main road around 12:30pm. However, traffic pressure remains because of the road closure. It will take some time for the situation to return to normal.”
He added that the workers moved towards Shram Bhaban after leaving the road.
Earlier, around 10:30am, workers staged a demonstration on the main road adjacent to Love Road, demanding payment of outstanding wages and benefits, disrupting traffic movement.
According to Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station, the workers occupied the road and began their protest, bringing vehicular movement on the route to a halt. The blockade also caused severe congestion on surrounding roads, with long queues of vehicles forming on both sides of the thoroughfare.
Workers said employees of NASSA Knit Limited, NASSA Apparels Limited and Western Dresses Limited, from helpers to managerial staff, are yet to receive their salaries for May. They also demanded payment of leave encashment benefits, area allowances for 2025 and notice pay.
The protesters further demanded full payment of service benefits in accordance with labour laws and called for an end to any form of harassment, including police cases, threats, intimidation and physical or mental abuse, during the settlement of workers’ dues.