Around 1,000 garment workers of Nasa Mainland withdrew their road blockade on the Tejgaon Link Road on Sunday after receiving specific assurances from the Minister for Labour and Employment regarding their outstanding wages.
The workers had staged the demonstration on the stretch between Mohakhali and Nabisco, demanding the payment of their arrears.
To control the situation and address the workers’ demands, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, along with State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, arrived at the scene following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Upon their arrival, the ministers engaged in lengthy discussions with both the workers and factory management. Addressing the workers, Ariful Haque Choudhury stated, “I am here today following the prime minister’s directive.”
He added, “We have called for a special meeting tomorrow at 11am the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Worker representatives, the owners of NASA Mainland, the BGMEA President, and all relevant stakeholders will attend this meeting.”
The minister further explained that the issue involves legal complications and ongoing cases. “We will find a solution that ensures the workers’ rights are protected while allowing the owners to resume normal operations,” he noted.
State Minister Md Nurul Haque urged the workers to remain calm, highlighting that, unlike previous years, there were no major road blockages during this Eid-ul-Fitr, thanks to coordinated government efforts. He also appealed to the workers to clear the road to ease public suffering, saying, “We want to support you, and we seek your cooperation in return.”
During the discussion, NASA Mainland authorities informed the ministers that their bank accounts and fixed assets are currently frozen, hindering their ability to operate the factory.
However, they assured the workers that they were capable of paying the March salaries. The company also requested special government assistance to clear payments related to workers’ earned leave.
Following the labour minister’s assurance and the announcement of tomorrow’s meeting, the workers agreed to suspend their protest and withdrew the road blockade.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment were also present during the discussions, and efforts are underway to resolve the situation promptly.
