Workers from Chain Apparels Limited, a readymade garment factory located in Ashulia, blocked the Kathgora-Bishmail road on Sunday morning to protest against unpaid wages. The demonstration began around 9 am at Amtola Mor, adjacent to the factory, and lasted for approximately five-and-a-half hours.
The workers expressed frustration over the factory’s ongoing issues with timely salary payments, noting that they have experienced delays for several months. Specifically, wages for January remain unpaid, prompting the protest.
A female worker, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her concerns: “For months, salaries have not been paid on time. We are forced to protest to receive our wages. On the 9th of this month, the factory was shut down for general holiday until the 13th without clearing our dues. A notice was later issued extending the holiday until February 20. Since we haven’t received last month’s wages, we are protesting to demand our rightful pay.”
Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan from the Ashulia Industrial Police-1 reported that the workers were demanding their January salaries. He stated that they had contacted a general manager of the factory, who assured them that steps would be taken to address the issue. Efforts were being made to convince the workers to dismantle the blockade.
After nearly five hours of protest, the workers lifted the blockade on the Zirabo-Bishmail regional road around 2:30 pm, allowing traffic to resume. Attempts to reach Mozammel Hossain, the Managing Director of Chain Apparels Limited, for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone went unanswered.
