The demonstration began at around 8:30am on 12 November, when workers from several garment factories gathered at the Mouchak area of the highway instead of reporting for duty. What initially started as a protest by employees of one garment factory gradually drew workers from neighbouring factories, turning the demonstration into a wider industrial protest.
According to available information, the workers began their movement over several demands, with the immediate implementation of the minimum wage among their key concerns. They are also seeking increases in wages and other employment benefits. As more workers joined the demonstration, they eventually took their protest to the highway, obstructing traffic in both directions.
The blockade caused serious disruption along one of the country’s important transport routes. The Dhaka–Tangail Highway serves as a major connection between the capital and several northern districts, carrying large volumes of passenger and freight traffic every day. Any interruption along this route can have consequences beyond the immediate protest area.
Following the blockade, buses, lorries, goods vehicles and private cars were left stranded, while passengers faced uncertainty over when they would be able to resume their journeys. The disruption also affected transport operators, particularly those travelling on long-distance routes. However, no specific figures were immediately available on the length of the traffic queues or the number of vehicles caught in the congestion.
Confirming the incident, Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kaliakair Police Station, said workers had blocked the highway in the morning. Members of the law enforcement agencies went to the scene and initially managed to clear the road. However, the workers repeatedly returned and resumed their positions on the highway, preventing traffic from returning to normal.
Personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), SRB and police were deployed at the scene to maintain order and bring the situation under control, the police officer said.
The blockade was still continuing when the report was filed, with no immediate indication of when the workers would withdraw from the highway.
Gazipur is one of Bangladesh’s major industrial centres, with a substantial concentration of garment factories and other manufacturing facilities. Labour-related disputes in the district can quickly affect both industrial operations and public transport, particularly when demonstrations spill onto major roads.
Wage disputes and demands for improved employment conditions have remained recurring concerns within Bangladesh’s garment industry. Workers’ income, benefits and the implementation of wage arrangements are particularly important issues in a sector that employs a large workforce and plays a significant role in the country’s export economy.
The latest demonstration highlights the importance of addressing workers’ grievances through dialogue between factory management, labour representatives and the relevant authorities. While maintaining public order and keeping major transport routes operational remain immediate priorities, resolving the underlying workplace disputes will be essential to preventing further disruption.
No detailed statement from the factory authorities or information about any formal negotiations with the protesting workers was immediately available.
