Ctg RMG workers stage blockade over unpaid wages

Garment workers blocked a key road in Chattogram city on Saturday, demanding payment of overdue wages and overtime.

This incident caused severe traffic congestion for hours before withdrawing the blockade after around six hours.

Earlier, around 11:00 AM, workers began the blockade near the C&B intersection on Arakan Road, a major artery of the port city, halting vehicular movement and stranding hundreds of vehicles.

The protesters were workers of two sweater factories of Azim Group located in the Kalurghat BSCIC industrial area. They alleged that one and a half months’ wages and four months’ overtime payments remain unpaid despite repeated assurances from the owners.

This blockade triggered long tailbacks on the busy route, disrupting communication between Bahaddarhat and Kalurghat-bound areas, including Rangunia, Boalkhali and Kaptai. Many commuters were forced to walk to their destinations, while movement of goods-laden vehicles from nearby industrial areas also came to a halt.

Law enforcers, including industrial police and Chattogram Metropolitan Police, were deployed to control the situation as workers continued their demonstration.

Assistant Commissioner of CMP (Panchlaish) Kazi Md Bidhan Abid said the workers had been facing the problem since 2022 and were demanding immediate payment of dues.

He added that discussions were underway between the owners and workers to resolve the issue.

Later in the afternoon, workers began leaving the road around 5:15 PM following assurances of talks. Traffic movement gradually returned to normal.

Chandgaon Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Nur Hossain Mamun said a meeting involving factory owners and worker representatives was ongoing at the police station to settle the issue.

Industrial Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Mahmud said the factory owners cited a lack of orders in recent months but acknowledged that workers had taken to the streets over unpaid overtime.

Legal and administrative steps are underway to resolve the dispute, said officials.

AM