Tension escalated on Sunday morning as workers of Abanti Colour Tex Ltd, a garment factory, took to the streets, blocking the Dhaka-Munshiganj road in Narayanganj to protest the non-payment of their wages.
The demonstration caused significant traffic congestion, stretching approximately 3km along the road, prompting law enforcement to intervene with tear gas and rubber bullets to restore order.
Expressing their grievances, the protesting workers highlighted the financial strain caused by the factory’s failure to disburse their March wages, despite receiving Eid bonuses.
Alamin Mia, a garment worker, voiced frustration, stating, “The factory reneged on its promise to pay salaries via mobile banking during the holiday period. The owner has been evasive regarding wage payments for several months, compelling workers to demand their rightful earnings.”
In response, a factory representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited shipment delays as the reason behind the salary delay, assuring that pending wages would be settled within the coming days.
Additional Superintendent of Police in Narayanganj, Zahirul Islam, disclosed, “The road blockade stemmed from workers’ demands for unpaid wages, causing a traffic gridlock. While efforts were made to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries, the exact count remains unconfirmed. Discussions with the factory management have yielded assurances that wages will be disbursed by next Tuesday.”
As tensions simmer, the plight of RMG workers underscores the pressing need for timely wage disbursement and fair labor practices within the garment industry, reflecting broader concerns over workers’ rights and livelihood security.
