World · Bangladesh Bureau
Garment Workers Block Dhaka-Tangail Highway Over Pay Dispute
Hundreds of garment factory workers have halted production and blocked a major highway connecting Dhaka and Tangail, demanding improved wages and better working conditions. The industrial action has disrupted traffic and raised concerns about supply chain delays in the country's vital textile sector.
LSN Bangladesh ·
Workers from multiple garment factories in the region staged a coordinated walkout on Tuesday, establishing roadblocks along the Dhaka-Tangail highway to press their wage demands. The protest brought significant congestion to one of Bangladesh's busiest commercial routes, affecting the movement of goods and commuters throughout the day.
The action reflects mounting pressure from factory workers seeking salary increases and improved benefits as the cost of living continues to rise. Workers have cited inadequate wages that have not kept pace with inflation, along with demands for better workplace safety standards and overtime compensation.
Factory owners and workers remain at odds over the scale of wage adjustments, with management citing global market pressures and competition concerns. The standoff underscores recurring tensions within Bangladesh's garment manufacturing sector, which employs millions and remains a cornerstone of the national economy.
Authorities have deployed personnel to manage traffic flow and facilitate negotiations between workers and factory representatives. Officials urged both sides to reach a resolution promptly to minimize disruption to the broader industrial base and export commitments.