For the third consecutive day, workers from garment, ceramic, and pharmaceutical factories in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway on Wednesday demanding wage hikes, better treatment, re-employment of laid-off workers, and an end to the sudden termination of male workers without notice.
The protests began at 6am, with workers gathering in various areas of the district.
By 8:30am, a group called the "Bangladesh Bekar Sangathan" started demonstrations in areas including Chandana Chowrasta in Gazipur city.
The protesting workers attempted to enter various factories and threw bricks at the gates, but were driven back by workers inside.
The scattered protestors then took positions at various points along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, causing significant traffic jams. Industrial police and army personnel are working jointly to control the situation.
According to the Industrial Police, workers reported to their factories as usual in the morning, but protests erupted outside as sacked workers demanded reinstatement.
In response, several factories announced closures.
Protests were reported in areas including Chandana Chowrasta, Signboard, Zirani Bazar, Konabari, Basan, Bagher Bazar, and Nayanpur in Sreepur.
Workers at Transcom Beverage in Telirchala of Kaliakoir upazila staged protests with a 20-point demand, including job regularization, timely salary payments, and the cancellation of night shifts for female workers.
Meanwhile, workers at RAK Ceramics factory in Nayanpur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway with a nine-point demand, including a salary increase, causing a five-kilometre traffic jam.
The workers left the highway at 11am after the army promised to discuss their demands with the factory management.
In Rajendrapur, workers from UniMed UniHealth Pharmaceuticals Limited protested against pay discrimination and other issues.
At the Golden Refit Garments factory in Bagher Bazar, workers attempted to storm the factory gate but were dispersed by army personnel after briefly blocking the highway.
In Basan, workers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to protest the dismissal of male workers, alleging discrimination in the hiring process. They claimed that female workers were being hired while male workers were laid off without notice.
Labour leader Arman said that the Bangladesh Bekar Sangathan had discussed the issue with senior government officials, who assured cooperation.
However, despite not planning further action on Wednesday, around 400-500 workers joined the strike in the Gazipur Bypass area.
Arman also mentioned that the protests have been fuelled by various organizations over the past few days. He urged factory authorities to resist the influence of opportunists.
Additional Superintendent of Police Imran Ahmed of Gazipur Industrial Police said the workers began protesting in the morning but left the highway after factory authorities promised to negotiate with them.
