Garment workers from several factories staged a road blockade in the Azampur area of Uttara, Dhaka, on Wednesday, demanding higher wages. The protest, which began at around 11 am on 14 October, brought traffic to a standstill on one side of the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway, triggering severe congestion on the main road and surrounding streets.
The disruption has caused considerable hardship for commuters, public transport passengers and pedestrians, many of whom have struggled to reach their destinations on time.
Workers from several garment factories began gathering in Azampur in the morning to press their demand for a pay rise. They later took to the highway and launched their demonstration, blocking one side of the busy road and disrupting normal traffic movement.
As the blockade continued, long queues of vehicles formed along the affected stretch of the highway. Congestion also spread to nearby roads, making travel increasingly difficult for people commuting to work or travelling for urgent reasons.
According to the workers, the demonstration was organised to demand higher wages. However, details of the specific increase they are seeking were not immediately available.
Public transport passengers have been among those worst affected by the protest. Many remained stranded on buses for extended periods, unable to move through the congested roads. Some eventually got off their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot in an attempt to reach their destinations without further delay.
Sipper Mahmud, who was stranded on a bus, described his experience.
“I left home in the morning for an urgent task. But I got stuck because of the workers’ blockade. After waiting on the bus for a long time, I am now walking to my destination,” he said.
The blockade has disrupted movement throughout Azampur and neighbouring areas. The Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway is a major transport route connecting the capital with Gazipur and other areas, making traffic disruptions along this corridor particularly difficult for daily commuters and other road users.
The protest comes amid workers’ demands for improved wages. However, it was not immediately clear whether factory authorities had held discussions with the workers or taken any steps to address their concerns.
No detailed information was available regarding the position of the concerned factory management or the measures being taken by the authorities to resolve the situation and restore normal traffic movement.
Commuters travelling through Azampur and nearby areas have been advised to consider alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys. Those planning to travel through the affected area should also check traffic conditions beforehand to minimise delays.
