Why Are Workers in Bangladesh Protesting Unpaid Wages?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a demonstration that disrupted traffic and led to a highway blockade, workers in Dhaka protested for unpaid wages and other benefits. This rally highlights ongoing struggles for labor rights in Bangladesh, drawing attention to the plight of workers facing wage arrears and inadequate support from employers.
Key Takeaways
- Workers protested for unpaid wages in Dhaka.
- Demands included seven months of salary arrears.
- Traffic was disrupted due to the highway blockade.
- Law enforcement used tear gas to disperse protesters.
- The protest highlights ongoing labor rights issues in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, July 27 (NationPress) Workers from a private company in Bangladesh's Dhaka held a protest on Sunday, demanding overdue wages and other benefits. This demonstration resulted in significant traffic disruptions and a blockade on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in the Gazipur area.
This private enterprise is a collaboration between a partner from the United Arab Emirates and a local Bangladeshi firm.
The protest started at approximately 7 a.m., resulting in a blockade that caused severe traffic jams, stranding many passengers and drivers for hours.
Several hundred workers participated in the protest, presenting a list of demands which includes the payment of seven months of back salaries with increases, merit-based hiring, annual salary adjustments in February, and protection against dismissal during protests.
They also seek equitable wage structures, a daily attendance allowance of Taka 500, a Taka 1,500 bonus, and the reinstatement of previously offered benefits, including pensions.
Workers stated they have been consistently deprived of their entitlements, with their pleas falling on deaf ears.
“With no other feasible options available, we felt compelled to protest and block the roads,” remarked one of the workers.
Tensions heightened when law enforcement attempted to clear the road, resulting in a series of chases between the police and the demonstrators.
Inspector Abdul Latif of the Gazipur Industrial Police confirmed that traffic resumed after the protesters were dispersed with tear gas.
Mohammad Abdul Barik, the Officer-in-Charge of Sreepur Police Station, stated that police initially sought a peaceful resolution, asking the workers to vacate the highway voluntarily. When discussions broke down, officers resorted to non-lethal crowd control methods to restore order and reopen the road.
Point of View
It's important to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by workers in Bangladesh. The protests are not only about unpaid wages but also represent a call for fair labor conditions and rights. Nation remains committed to advocating for the rights of workers and bringing attention to these critical issues.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesting workers?
The workers are demanding seven months of unpaid wages, merit-based recruitment, annual salary adjustments, protection from dismissal during protests, and reinstatement of old benefits, including pensions.
What was the reason behind the protest?
The protest was sparked by the workers' grievances regarding unpaid wages and a lack of response to their requests for fair treatment and benefits.
How did the authorities respond to the protest?
Law enforcement attempted to resolve the situation peacefully but resorted to using tear gas when negotiations failed to disperse the protesters.
