Garment workers stage road blockade in Mirpur, snarling traffic

Garment workers in Dhaka's Mirpur industrial zone staged a road blockade on Thursday, triggering widespread traffic congestion across the densely populated area. The demonstration saw workers occupy key routes, preventing vehicular movement and forcing commuters and commercial traffic to seek alternative passages.

The blockade affected multiple stretches in Mirpur, one of South Asia's largest garment manufacturing hubs, with hundreds of vehicles queued at various points. Commuters faced extended travel times as the protest disrupted normal flow on roads connecting the industrial district to other parts of the city.

While specific demands of the workers were not immediately detailed, road blockades by garment sector employees typically centre on wage grievances, working conditions, or employment-related disputes. The Mirpur area hosts numerous textile and apparel factories that employ tens of thousands of workers.

No immediate police intervention was reported, though authorities typically monitor such demonstrations in the industrial sector. The blockade underscores ongoing labour tensions within Bangladesh's garment industry, which remains a critical economic driver for the country.