Garment workers block Dhaka-Tangail highway, cause 5km jam

Garment workers from several factories blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in Kaliakair, Gazipur, on Tuesday, demanding an increase in wages and benefits.

Workers took to the highway in the Mouchak area around 11am, bringing traffic to a standstill along a stretch of about five kilometres.

The blockade caused severe disruption, leaving hundreds of passengers and commuters stranded.

As of 12:30pm, the workers were still staging demonstrations on the highway.

During the protest, a factory named Sadma Textile was allegedly vandalised. Workers later continued their demonstration while occupying both sides of the highway.

Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said discussions were underway with the protesting workers. Members of the industrial police were also heading to the scene to help bring the situation under control.