In Konabari, Gazipur, workers of a garment factory blocked the road and staged a protest for the second consecutive day, demanding two months of outstanding wages. During the demonstration, clashes and chase-and-counter-chase occurred between the workers and the police. Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to bring the situation under control.
On Tuesday (22 September) at around 9:30 AM, workers of Honeywell Garments Limited, located in the Ambagh Mitali Club area of Konabari Police Station, began their protest. Later, they took position on the Konabari Notun Bazar regional road from Mitali Club, halting traffic movement.
Workers alleged that instead of paying wages on the scheduled date, the factory authority repeatedly issued closure notices. This sparked anger among them. As per prior announcement, workers gathered around the factory in the morning and staged protests.
Around 11:45 AM, the protesting workers attempted to involve the workers of P.N. Knit Composite Limited in the Ambagh area in their movement. When industrial police intervened, an altercation broke out between the two sides. At one point, during a chase and counter-chase, police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the workers.
Workers shared that although they were assured of receiving wages from the 10th of the month, the payments were not made. Having not received their wages as of 22 September, they are facing difficulties in paying house rent and clearing shop dues.
Gazipur Industrial Police-2 Superintendent of Police Mohammad Amjad Hossain stated that police dispersed the protesting workers when they tried to attack a neighboring factory and cause chaos. Currently, traffic movement on the road is back to normal.
To prevent any further untoward incidents, additional members of the Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) alongside the Industrial Police have been deployed at the scene.
