Labourers from the Nasa Group staged a major blockade on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway on Tuesday, demanding overdue salaries and allowances. The protest, which reflects nationwide discontent among the company’s workforce, has brought traffic to a near standstill and caused severe disruption for commuters.
The demonstration began around 10:00 a.m. at Paduar Bazar on the Bir Road in Comilla, where over a hundred Nasa Group workers from the Comilla EPZ participated. The workers issued a stern warning that they would not lift the blockade until all pending wages and allowances were cleared.
The protest has completely halted vehicular movement in both directions on the affected stretch, leading to a traffic jam extending at least ten kilometres. Passengers and drivers have endured sweltering heat and significant delays. As of 11:35 a.m., the blockade was still ongoing.
Authorities Respond
Superintendent of Police Shahinur Alam of the Comilla Highway Police told Dhaka Post that law enforcement agencies, including highway police, district police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and district administration officials, were present at the scene. “We are trying to persuade the workers to vacate the highway, but they have maintained the blockade for several hours,” he stated.
Key Details of the Protest
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Tuesday, 7 April, starting 10:00 a.m. |
| Location | Paduar Bazar, Bir Road, Comilla |
| Participants | 100+ Nasa Group workers from Comilla EPZ |
| Cause | Outstanding salaries and allowances |
| Traffic Impact | Complete blockage, approx. 10 km congestion |
| Law Enforcement | Highway Police, District Police, RAB, District Administration |
| Status as of 11:35 a.m. | Blockade ongoing, negotiation in progress |
Labour representatives have expressed frustration over delayed payments and insist that similar protests are planned if the company fails to meet their demands. The strike highlights growing tensions between factory management and workers, particularly in the export processing zones, which are vital hubs of Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector.
Commuters have called for urgent intervention to resolve the blockade and restore traffic flow. Authorities are continuing efforts to negotiate with the workers, aiming to prevent escalation and ensure both labour rights and public convenience are respected.