Garment workers block Dhaka–Tangail highway in Gazipur over death rumor and wage demands

What happened

Garment workers blocked the Dhaka–Tangail highway at the Chandra Palli electricity area in Kalikapur upazila, Gazipur. Prothom AloBangladesh Pratidin

The protest began on Saturday, November 14, at around 9:00 a.m., and after gathering the workers left their factories and moved to the highway. Bangladesh Pratidin

The action was triggered by rumors of a worker’s death and a demand for higher wages. Workers from the Apex Lingerie factories (Tropical and East Chandra) had started a protest on Thursday. Prothom AloBangladesh Pratidin

Police officers spoke with the workers in an effort to calm the situation. Gazipur industrial police, Kalikapur police and members of the Bangladesh Jatiya Biplob arrived, and police used gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the workers. Prothom AloBangladesh Pratidin

The blockade stopped vehicle traffic on the highway, causing severe congestion and hardship for commuters, many of whom were forced to walk to their destinations. Prothom AloBangladesh Pratidin

The details

Sources differ on how many factories were involved, with estimates ranging from seven to eight factories to eight to ten factories. Prothom AloBangladesh Pratidin

One report says several workers were injured and one worker died during the clash, while another report mentions only the rumor of a death without confirming any fatalities. Prothom Alo

Police used gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the workers after arriving on the scene. Prothom Alo

Superintendent Mo. Amjad Hossain of Gazipur industrial police said the workers were protesting because of the death rumor. Bangladesh Pratidin

Workers from the Apex Lingerie factories (Tropical and East Chandra) had started a protest on Thursday. Prothom Alo

Who is reporting what

Prothom Alo reported that several workers were injured and one worker died, and that the blockade involved factories numbering between eight and ten. Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Pratidin noted that the protest began at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and that the number of factories involved was between seven and eight, without confirming any fatalities. Bangladesh Pratidin

Context and impact

The garment sector employs a large portion of the workforce, and disruptions to a major transport route can affect supply chains and daily commuters. Demonstrations over wages and workplace safety have periodically surfaced, highlighting ongoing tensions between workers and factory owners.

What we do not know yet

It remains unclear exactly how many factories participated and whether a worker’s death was confirmed, as reports differ on these points.