Garment workers block key Chittagong road to protest unpaid wages
Photo Collected
Garment workers staged a protest and blocked the Muradpur-Oxygen road in the Aturar Depot area of Chittagong on Wednesday morning, demanding the payment of outstanding wages. The demonstration, which began at approximately 10:30 a.m., caused significant traffic disruptions for commuters traveling to Khagrachari, Rangamati, Hathazari, and Raozan, who were forced to seek alternative routes.
The dispute stems from a recent change in ownership at a garment factory located in the Aturar Depot area. According to witnesses and police sources, tensions escalated when the new management failed to address unpaid wages, despite earlier assurances to settle the arrears. The conflict was further exacerbated by a disagreement over payment for a four-day work stoppage observed by the employees, which the factory owners refused to compensate.
Mahmuda Begum, Superintendent of the Industrial Police in Chittagong, confirmed that the workers initially began a work stoppage at 9:30 a.m. before proceeding to block the road an hour later. She noted that law enforcement officials from the local police station and the Industrial Police are currently on the scene, attempting to negotiate with the workers to resolve the impasse and restore order.
Authorities are working to bring the situation under control, noting that the area houses several other garment factories. Commuters remain diverted to alternative routes while police continue efforts to facilitate a settlement between the factory management and the workforce to clear the thoroughfare.
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