The workers of TNZ Group on Monday once again blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur two hours after lifting their 50-hour blockade as the authority failed to meet their demands on time.
Due to the blockade, heavy traffic congestion has again been created on both sides of the highway, according to the witnesses.
The workers have vowed to maintain the blockade until the 32-member delegation returns from Dhaka.
Despite efforts by the Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) and the industrial police to clear the road, the workers refused to move.
According to the Labour and Employment Ministry sources, immediately after taking the charge of the ministry, Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain asked the authorities concerned including the leaders of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to take necessary steps to address the issue, so that the workers can go back to their work places.
At around 2:30pm on Monday, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ershad Mia, along with senior officials from the army, industrial police, and GMP, arrived at the scene to negotiate with the protesting workers.
After official commitment of the administration to resolve their outstanding wage issues, the workers lifted the blockade.
During discussions, a workers' delegation was sent to Dhaka to negotiate wage-related matters.
Following this, the army and police urged the workers to leave the highway, and most complied, though some initially refused.
With the intervention of the police and army, those workers eventually left, and traffic resumed on the highway. However, two hours later, around 4:30pm, the workers again resumed their blockade.
