Workers block Dhaka-Sylhet highway over unpaid wages

Workers of Nobel Cotton and Spinning Mills blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Rupganj, Narayanganj, demanding payment of their outstanding wages and causing severe disruption to traffic for several hours.

The protest began around 10:00am in the Jatrabari area, where several hundred workers took to the highway, halting vehicular movement completely until about 2:30pm on Wednesday.

The blockade resulted in long tailbacks on both sides of the busy highway, leaving passengers and vehicles stranded for hours. Commuters faced widespread hardship as traffic remained stuck for kilometres.

The protesting workers said they had not been paid their salaries for the past three months. They alleged that the factory authorities had repeatedly delayed wage payments under various excuses, which ultimately led to their demonstration.

Later, members of the Narayanganj Industrial Police reached the spot and held discussions with the agitating workers. Following negotiations with factory management, authorities assured that the due wages would be paid soon.

After receiving the assurance, the workers withdrew their blockade, and normal traffic movement resumed around 2:30pm.

Additional Superintendent of Narayanganj Industrial Police Wali Ullah said police intervened to mediate between the workers and management, which helped resolve the situation temporarily.

Managing Director of Nobel Cotton and Spinning Mills Mohammad Ali said raw materials, including cotton, are expected to arrive at the factory on Thursday.

He added that production will resume afterwards and the management will take steps to clear the outstanding wages following further discussions with workers.