Hundreds of workers of B-Brothers Group garment factory blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway in Rupganj on Saturday, demanding payment of three months’ arrears, reinstatement of laid-off colleagues and an end to alleged torture.
The blockade began at around 8:30am in the Maikuli area, triggering a 12-kilometre tailback on both sides of the highway and causing severe disruption to commuters.
Workers said more than 2,000 employees are yet to receive wages for December, January and February.
They alleged the management had repeatedly promised to clear dues but failed to do so.
Protesters also accused factory authorities of detaining, torturing and dismissing workers who raised objections over delayed payments.
Instead of starting their shifts, workers gathered on the highway in the morning and staged the demonstration.
Rupganj Police Station officers reached the scene at around 10:30am and held several rounds of talks between workers and management.
As no agreement was reached over payment of arrears, alleged abuse or layoffs, workers continued the blockade.
Factory authorities declined to comment when contacted.
