The protesting workers alleged that one and a half months of wages and four months of overtime remain unpaid
Eyewitnesses reported incidents of chase and counter-chase between the police and the protesters when law enforcement moved in to bring the situation under control. Photo: TBS
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Eyewitnesses reported incidents of chase and counter-chase between the police and the protesters when law enforcement moved in to bring the situation under control. Photo: TBS
Thousands of ready-made garment (RMG) workers blocked the busy Arakan Road in Chattogram today (2 May), demanding payment of outstanding wages and overtime bills.
The blockade, which began at around 11am in the city’s C&B area, caused severe traffic congestion and brought vehicle movement to a standstill on one of the city’s most busiest thoroughfares.
The protest also involved nearly 2,000 workers from two factories, including the Azim Group’s located in the Kalurghat BSCIC Industrial Area.
According to the agitating workers, the management has been irregular in paying salaries and allowances since 2025.
They alleged that one and a half months of wages and four months of overtime remain unpaid.
Eyewitnesses reported incidents of chase and counter-chase between the police and the protesters when law enforcement moved in to bring the situation under control.
A large contingent of law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the factory areas as the demonstration continued late into the afternoon.
Kazi Md Bidhan Abid, assistant commissioner (Panchlaish) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, confirmed that the unrest stems from long-standing grievances.
“The workers stated that the management of Azim Group has kept salaries and overtime bills pending. This problem has persisted since 2022,” he said.
The police official added that discussions are ongoing with both the owners and the workers to resolve the crisis.
However, the protesters have refused to vacate the road until the factory owners arrive at the spot to address their demands directly.
Furthermore, the protestors claimed that management threatened them with termination whenever they raised the issue of their dues.
The protest escalated in the Mohra area as workers from Orchid Sweater and Savar Sweater joined the demonstration at the C&B intersection.
The blockade caused immense suffering for commuters and locals, forcing many passengers to abandon their vehicles and travel on foot.
The movement of goods-laden vehicles from other factories in the industrial zone was also halted.
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