Agitated workers of AA Young Mills Limited blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway in Gazipur’s Sreepur on Sunday evening by burning tyres, demanding payment of their due salaries.
During the protest, the workers extensively vandalised the factory, leading to heavy traffic congestion on both sides of the highway.
Md Ayub Ali, officer-in-charge (OC) of Mauna Highway Police Station, said the blockade started around 7 pm. Law enforcement officials held discussions with both factory authorities and workers, and the road was cleared around 10 pm, restoring normal traffic flow.
Workers alleged that although they were supposed to receive their salaries by the 7th of the month, they had not yet been paid for June. “No one is listening to our issues like house rent or daily expenses. We’ve been forced to take to the streets for our rightful demands,” a protesting worker said.
Mohammad Sultan Uddin, an official from the human resources department of AA Young Mills Limited, said that discussions were ongoing with senior management regarding the payment of salaries and allowances.
“Once a decision is reached, the workers will be informed. Unfortunately, the factory was vandalised and the protest began before any resolution could be communicated,” he added.