RMG workers protest erupt for unpaid wages

Staff Reporter :

Workers of readymade garment factories-Lenny Fashion and Lenny Apparels, shut down four years ago, staged a protest by blocking the Nabinagar-Chandra highway in front of DEPZ in Ashulia, Dhaka, demanding payment of outstanding dues along with service benefits. The protest, which began around 8am on Tuesday, caused severe traffic congestion, halting movement on both sides of the road.

According to sources, the workers allege that Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) promised to settle their dues by November 30. However, on Monday, they were informed of another delay. The factories were partially sold but the proceeds have yet to be distributed among the 7,500 affected workers.

One agitating worker, Bazlu, said, “I have arrears to the tune of Tk 2.35 lakh, including two months of wages and other benefits. We have waited for nearly five years and are left with no choice but to block the highway.”

Another worker, Johra Khatun, highlighted the injustice, saying, “One of the factories was sold for Tk 83 crore but despite the promises, our Tk 61 crore dues remain unpaid. This is unacceptable.”
The roadblock caused a five-kilometer-long traffic jam on the busy highway, disrupting travel between Dhaka and northern districts. Many commuters were forced to seek alternative routes or walk to their destinations.

Law enforcement agencies, including industrial police, are attempting to negotiate with the workers to clear the road. Police Superintendent Mohammad Sarwar Alam stated, “We are working with both parties to resolve the matter amicably and restore normalcy.” However, BEPZA spokesperson Anwar Parvez assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. “We are in the process of selling the remaining assets of the factories. Once completed, the workers’ dues will be settled promptly.”
Despite these assurances, the workers vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met, leaving the situation unresolved.