Blockade withdrawn after minister’s intervention

Around 700-800 garment workers of NASA Mainland staged a road blockade on Sunday on the Tejgaon Link Road between Mohakhali and Nabisco in the city, demanding payment of their outstanding wages.

To control the situation and address the workers’ demands, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque rushed to the scene following special instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reports BSS.

Upon arrival, they held lengthy discussions with both the workers and the factory authorities. Addressing the workers after the meeting, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said, “I have come here today following the Prime Minister’s directive.”

“We have convened a special meeting tomorrow at 11:00 am at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, where worker representatives, the owners of NASA Mainland, the BGMEA President, and all relevant stakeholders will be present,” he added.

The minister further noted that the issue involves certain legal complications and ongoing cases. “A solution will be reached in a way that ensures workers are not deprived, while the owners can continue their normal operations,” he added.