Over 2,000 workers from Modiste CEPZ Ltd, a concern of JMS Group in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), blocked the Airport Road in front of the CEPZ gate this afternoon (19 May), demanding unpaid wages for April and a portion of the Eid-ul-Fitr bonus.
The demonstrating workers declared they would not leave the road until their dues were paid.
Meanwhile, the blockade, which started at around 2pm, suspended traffic movement on the busy road and caused a long tailback.
According to police, the workers began their demonstration inside the factory premises at around 8am, staging a sit-in to voice their grievances.
However, tensions escalated as the day progressed. Around 2pm, the workers moved to the CEPZ Intersection and blocked the main road, halting vehicular movement in the area.
This protest follows a work abstention carried out by the workers from 11am to 5:30pm yesterday (18 May), during which they ceased production activities inside the factory.
Discussions were held among the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (Bepza) authorities, the Industrial Police, and worker representatives.
During those talks, factory management reportedly assured over the phone that unpaid salaries would be cleared today.
However, as of the filing of this report, no payment has been made, and the employer has not provided any update.
“The employer failed to fulfil their promise to pay unpaid wages and a portion of the Eid bonus several times. They promised to pay the dues today. As they failed again, the workers took to the streets and blocked the road,” said Mahmudul Hasan, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Port Zone.
“The workers have declared that they will not leave the road until their dues are paid. We are trying to convince them to clear the road,” he added.
Attempts to contact Mahmud Ali, managing director of Modiste CEPZ Ltd, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls from The Business Standard.
