Workers of Alif Casual Limited in Gazipur protested on Monday morning by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway demanding the payment of their overdue salaries. The protest, which occurred under Bason Police Station, was sparked by the factory management’s failure to pay workers’ salaries for July and August.
A number of workers, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over the delayed payments. “The factory authorities have not paid us our July salaries, and even as September begins, we haven’t received our August wages. We’re unable to pay house rent, children’s school fees, or even private tutors. Shopkeepers refuse to sell daily necessities due to outstanding bills, and landlords are demanding rent,” one worker shared.
The workers also raised concerns about the management’s repeated excuses. They stated that the factory had been shut down for a total of ten days—eight days from August 28 to September 4, and two additional days on September 6 and 7—without explanation or compensation.
When workers arrived at the factory on Monday, instead of resuming work, they took to the highway in protest, demanding immediate payment.
Gazipur Industrial Police Inspector Farukul Alam confirmed that, around 8:45 AM, police intervened and successfully persuaded the workers to clear the highway. Normal traffic was restored shortly afterward, and the workers were escorted inside the factory to meet with the management for discussions.
