Workers of Sea Stage (BD) Limited blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Sreepur, Gazipur, demanding payment of their outstanding wages. The blockade lasted around an hour, causing traffic congestion on both sides of the highway. Industrial police later fired several sound grenades to disperse the workers, after which traffic returned to normal.

The incident took place around 8:30 am on Thursday (October 15) in the MC Bazar area of Mulaid village in Sreepur upazila.

The protesting workers alleged that the factory authorities had failed to fulfil their promise to pay their September wages. Following a protest over unpaid wages on October 10, the authorities had assured them that payment would be made on October 13. However, the workers said they were forced to resume their protest after the wages were not paid within the promised timeframe.

Workers Tarikul, Mafuz and Hasmat Ali said the factory authorities had repeatedly delayed payment. Although wages were supposed to be paid on Wednesday, the workers received nothing. Meanwhile, the factory declared a general holiday for Thursday, prompting angry workers to take to the highway in the morning and block traffic.

After receiving the news, industrial police arrived at the scene and urged the workers to clear the highway. The police also proposed resolving the issue through discussions with the factory owners and arranging payment of the outstanding wages.

However, as the workers continued the blockade, traffic on the highway came to a halt. Police subsequently fired several sound grenades to disperse them and clear the road.

Gazipur Industrial Police-2 Superintendent of Police Mohammad Amzad Hossain, PPM, said, “Workers of Sea Stage BD Limited had blocked the highway demanding their unpaid wages for September. They were asked to leave the highway after being assured that the issue would be resolved through discussions with the factory owners. However, they continued the blockade. Later, several sound grenades were fired to disperse them and clear the highway.”

He added that a decision on payment of the outstanding wages would be made after discussions with the factory owners. He also said the workers’ allegations that machinery was being removed from the factory were not accurate.