Garment workers block Dhaka–Sylhet hwy over unpaid wages

Traffic movement on the Dhaka–Sylhet highway was severely disrupted on Saturday after workers of an export-oriented garment factory in Rupganj of Narayanganj staged a road blockade demanding payment of three months’ outstanding wages.

Workers of B-Brothers factory gathered in front of the factory and blocked the highway around 8:30 am refraining from joining work at 8:00 am. 

The protesters occupied the highway, triggering heavy congestion on both sides of the highway. Commuters were left stranded as traffic backed up for nearly 12 kilometres, according to police and local sources.

Workers alleged that the factory employs more than 2,000 people and has failed to pay wages and allowances for December 2025 and January–February 2026. They claimed that management had repeatedly assured them of payment but did not fulfil those commitments. 

Some workers also alleged harassment, confinement and dismissals when they demanded their dues.

A team of police from Rupganj Police Station, along with highway and industrial police, arrived at the scene and held several rounds of talks with representatives of both sides. No immediate settlement was reached over the unpaid wages and related allegations.

The blockade was lifted at around 2:00 pm following negotiations, though traffic congestion persisted for some time afterward as vehicles slowly resumed movement.

When contaced, factory authorities refused to give a comment in this regard.

Confirming the matter, Bhulta Highway Police Inspector (Traffic) Jasim Uddin said workers blocked the highway over unpaid wages in the morning.

Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control, he added.