United News of Bangladesh

Workers of an export-oriented garment factory, B-Brothers Limited, blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway in Rupganj on Saturday morning demanding unpaid wages. At least 15 people were injured in clashes, including workers and police, witnesses said. The protest created severe traffic jams along a 12-kilometer stretch, causing difficulties for passengers and drivers. Workers set fire on the road to enforce the blockade. Clashes broke out when workers threw bricks at police, who responded with batons and tear gas. During the violence, several buses and factory property were damaged. The names of the injured were not immediately known. The protest started around 8:30 am after workers gathered outside the factory in Maikuli area. The factory employs more than 2,000 workers who have been demanding payment of wages and allowances for December 2025 and January-February 2026. Workers also alleged harassment and layoffs by the management. Fire at Rupganj Textile Mill: 2 workers die in hospital Monday Repeated negotiations between police, factory management, and workers failed to reach a final solution, prompting the road blockade. Subzel Hossain, officer-in-charge of Rupganj Police Station, said, “The workers returned to the factory after the management promised to pay the pending wages. Traffic has now returned to normal.”