Workers of two defunct factories in Ashulia, staged a demonstration and blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra Highway on Tuesday, demanding the payment of their outstanding wages and other dues.
According to reports, the protestors, primarily former employees of Lenny Fashions and Lenny Apparels, have been without pay for nearly four years since the factories shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite assurances from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), the workers claim their demands remain unmet.
The workers allege that BEPZA promised to settle their dues by November 30. However, on Monday, they were informed of yet another delay. The factories were partially sold but the proceeds have yet to be distributed among the 7,500 affected workers.
A protesting worker, Bazlu, said, "I am owed Tk 2.35 lakh, including two months of wages and other benefits. We have waited for nearly five years and are left with no choice but to block the highway."
Another worker, Johra Khatun, highlighted the injustice, saying, "One of the factories was sold for Tk 83 crore but despite the promises, our Tk 61 crore dues remain unpaid. This is unacceptable."
The roadblock caused a five-kilometer-long traffic jam on the busy highway, disrupting travel between Dhaka and northern districts. Many commuters were forced to seek alternative routes or walk to their destinations.
Law enforcement agencies, including industrial police, are attempting to negotiate with the workers to clear the road. Police Superintendent Mohammad Sarwar Alam stated, "We are working with both parties to resolve the matter amicably and restore normalcy."
BEPZA spokesperson Anwar Parvez assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. "We are in the process of selling the remaining assets of the factories. Once completed, the workers' dues will be settled promptly."
Despite these assurances, the workers vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, leaving the situation unresolved.
