RMG workers end blockade on Dhaka-M’singh highway

Agitating garment workers have ended their blockade on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway this afternoon demanding half of their current month’s salary after getting assurances from the authorities.

The workers ended their demonstration around 3:50pm after the authorities gave them assurance to pay half of their current month's salary on Sunday, our local correspondent reports.

Earlier, several thousand garment workers blocked Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Hotapara area of Gazipur Sadar upazila since this morning demanding half of their current month’s salary.

“The workers of Elegant Group blockaded Dhaka-Mymensingh highway since 9:00am,” said Habib Iskander, inspector of Gazipur Industrial Police.

Police tried to dissuade the workers to lift their blockade through negotiation with both parties.

The blockade caused immense sufferings to the homebound people on the highway.

A 10-kilometre-long tailback was created on the highway following the workers’ agitation, highway police said.

The newly appointed workers have been demanding for half of their current month’s salary to be paid before Eid-ul-Azha since they are not entitled to get festival bonus.

Expressing solidarity with their demands, senior employees also echoed the same and joined the demonstration.