Workers block Dhaka-Aricha Highway demanding increase of wages

Workers of a factory blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Manikganj today (8 July), demanding implementation of government-declared wages and allowances.

The workers took to the street around 8am in front of the factory at Nabagram on the busy highway.

Traffic came to a standstill on both sides of the highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

Passengers travelling to and from ferry terminals also faced inconvenience.

The protesting workers alleged that the factory authorities had long been denying them salaries and benefits in accordance with the government gazette. 

They claimed that workers were threatened with dismissal whenever they demanded their rightful wages.

According to the workers, the factory management had promised before Eid to increase salaries and allowances, but failed to fulfil the commitment, prompting them to stage the highway blockade.

Additional police were deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incidents.

Shibalaya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Monisha Rani Karmakar was seen at the spot and trying to persuade the agitating workers to withdraw the blockade by assuring them that their demands would be addressed.