Workers blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Rupganj, Narayanganj, on Wednesday, protesting unpaid wages and causing severe traffic congestion for hours.
Several hundred workers of Nobel Cotton and Spinning Mills blocked the highway in the Jatrabari area from around 10am to 2:30pm, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.
Eyewitnesses said the blockade created long tailbacks on both sides of the highway, stranding passengers and vehicles for hours. Traffic remained stuck for several kilometres, causing widespread hardship for commuters.
The workers said they had not received regular salaries for the past three months. They accused factory authorities of repeatedly delaying payments on various pretexts, which prompted them to stage the blockade.
Narayanganj Industrial Police rushed to the scene and held talks with the protesters. Police later coordinated with factory management, who assured payment of the outstanding wages. Following the assurance, the workers withdrew the blockade.
Additional Superintendent of Narayanganj Industrial Police Wali Ullah told Dhaka Tribune that police listened to the workers’ grievances and facilitated discussions with factory authorities, who assured that the unpaid wages would be cleared soon. Traffic on the highway returned to normal around 2:30pm.
Managing Director of Nobel Cotton and Spinning Mills Mohammad Ali said raw materials, especially cotton, will arrive at the factory on Thursday. He added that production will resume afterward, and the management will take steps to clear workers’ outstanding wages following discussions with them.