Workers of Shepherd (Group) Jeans Limited in Bhaluka, Mymensingh staged a protest by blocking the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, demanding payment of outstanding February wages, Eid bonus, and annual leave allowances. The blockade created a traffic jam stretching nearly 50 kilometres on both sides of the highway.
The protest began around 11:00 AM on Wednesday (March 11) when workers took position on the highway and continued their demonstration until about 2:15 PM. Due to the blockade, vehicular movement came to a halt, causing severe suffering for long-distance passengers and goods transport drivers stuck in the massive congestion.
At one stage, law enforcement agencies used baton charges to disperse the protesters and clear the highway.
Workers alleged that the February wages, Eid bonus, and annual leave payments had not been paid despite a commitment from the factory authorities to settle the dues by March 10. Angered by the delay, they took to the highway in protest.
One of the workers, Lipi Akter, said:
“Eid is approaching and we have many expenses, including shopping. But we have not received our salary, Eid bonus, or leave allowance yet. No one is clearly telling us when these will be paid.”
Another worker, Faruk, said:
“If workers are not paid wages and bonuses before Eid, how will we support our families? The owners are not giving importance to our demands.”
Meanwhile, administration officials said Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), members of the army, Bhaluka police station, and Industrial Police rushed to the scene and urged the workers to withdraw the blockade.
When the workers did not remove the blockade until 2:15 PM, law enforcement personnel conducted baton charges to disperse them and restore traffic movement.
Responding to the allegations, Sakibur Rahman, General Manager of Shepherd (Group) Jeans Limited, said that February salaries had already been paid, while Eid bonuses would be provided by March 15.
Superintendent of Police of Industrial Police-5, Md. Farhad Hossain Khan, said:
“Due to the blockade during Ramadan, a traffic jam of about 50 kilometres formed on both sides of the highway. Law enforcement took necessary steps to ease the suffering of passengers and restore normal traffic movement.”
