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Garment workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in Kaliakair, Gazipur, on Monday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, causing traffic congestion stretching at least 10 kilometres on both sides of the highway.
The blockade began around 8:00am in the Palli Bidyut area, bringing traffic to a halt. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were deployed under the supervision of 21 executive magistrates to maintain law and order.
Workers staged demonstrations from the morning in Konabari, Mouchak, Safipur and Palli Bidyut areas before blocking the highway.
During the protests, more than 50 vehicles were vandalised in Palli Bidyut and Mouchak, with their windows and various parts damaged. A few shops also came under attack, although no significant damage was reported.
The blockade caused severe traffic congestion along several sections of the highway, leaving long-distance bus passengers and other commuters stranded for hours.
Workers said their demand for a Tk 30,000 minimum monthly wage was based on the rising cost of living. They have been protesting for several days. Although an initiative has been taken to form a new wage board, workers resumed demonstrations on Monday as no specific wage structure had been announced.
Police and BGB personnel took positions at different points to control the situation. Clashes, confrontations and chases between workers and law enforcement personnel were reported in several areas. Many protesters were later dispersed, although workers continued to return to the highway intermittently.
Leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations also joined efforts to restore normal traffic. Gazipur-1 lawmaker Mojibur Rahman was present at different points along the highway with party activists, urging protesters to leave the road and helping prevent further disorder.
Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said workers had started demonstrations on the highway early in the morning.
He said the situation was particularly tense in the morning, when large numbers of workers occupied the highway, but their presence had since decreased. Police were continuing efforts to maintain normalcy.
