Workers of JMI Syringe Factory blocked the Chattogram-bound lane of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Cumilla's Chauddagram upazila for nearly three hours on Thursday, demanding a hike in basic wages and implementation of a seven-point charter of demands.

During the protest, workers attempted several times to force their way through the factory's main gate and allegedly pelted bricks, damaging the factory's glass windows.

The demonstrators later withdrew the blockade after receiving assurances from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

The protesting workers said they had resumed work in 2024 after the factory authorities assured them that their demands would be met following an earlier movement. However, they alleged that most of those promises remained unfulfilled.

As a result, they suspended work on July 27 and launched fresh demonstrations, demanding increased wages and allowances, improved workplace safety, separate prayer facilities and implementation of their seven-point demands.

Golam Mostafa, Factory owner, claimed that most of the workers' previous demands had already been fulfilled after the 2024 movement. He said workers began their latest protest on Monday and a meeting was later held involving worker representatives, the UNO, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Chauddagram Police Station and local BNP and Jamaat leaders.

According to him, the worker representatives agreed to return to work after being assured that their demands would be addressed. However, he alleged that a small group of workers resumed the unrest.

Mostafa also said it was not possible for the factory to meet the current wage hike demand and warned that he might shut down the factory if necessary.

Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, Chauddagram UNO, said the workers had temporarily blocked the highway but removed the blockade after discussions with the administration.

He said efforts were underway to resolve the labour dispute as quickly as possible.