Workers’ stages protest in N’ganj over unpaid wages

Workers at an export-oriented cotton mill in Rupganj, Narayanganj staged protests demanding unpaid wages and allowances, leading to a blockade of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway.

The unrest took place at Nobel Cotton Spinning Mills Ltd., located in the Jatrabari Sluice Gate area under Tarabo Municipality on Wednesday.

The factory employs around 700 workers and produces yarn from cotton. According to the protesting workers, the management had been delaying payment of wages for February, March, and April, repeatedly assuring that dues would be cleared.

As a result, workers have been struggling to survive, with many unable to buy essentials on credit or pay house rent. They said their situation had become unbearable.

The workers had earlier sought intervention from the Narayanganj Workers’ Federation Union, after which the factory authorities promised to clear payments by May 6. However, on Wednesday morning, when workers demanded their dues instead of joining work, the management reportedly refused to pay.
This led to a protest in front of the factory, which later escalated into a highway blockade. Vehicular movement on both sides of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway came to a halt for about an hour, causing severe traffic congestion and suffering for commuters and pedestrians.

Police, led by Rupganj Thana Officer-in-Charge AHM Salauddin, rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control after discussions with the factory authorities. The management then assured that the dues would be paid by Thursday morning.

Workers also alleged that a local individual named Abdul Latif threatened them on behalf of the factory authorities, and they demanded action against him.

Police confirmed that the workers were dispersed peacefully and the situation is now normal.