Workers at Dynamic Sweater Industries Limited in Savar staged a demonstration on Monday, 3rd March, blocking the Dhaka-Aricha Highway to demand higher wages, leave benefits, and festival bonuses. The protest began around 11 am at the Ulail Bazar area, leading to significant traffic congestion on both sides of the road.
After approximately 30 minutes of protest, the workers ended their blockade following intervention from the military at around 11:30 am. However, tensions escalated when the demonstrators threw brick chips at the nearby Anlima Textile Limited, attempting to compel its workers to join their cause. Law enforcement later intervened to disperse the agitated group.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police for Dhaka District (Savar Circle), Md Shahinur Kabir, two women were detained by Anlima factory workers during the unrest but were subsequently rescued by the police.
The protesting workers expressed frustration over recent wage cuts. They reported a reduction in their pay from Taka 26 to Taka 21 per piece of work, while also highlighting the absence of leave benefits and festival bonuses. Many of the workers have been demonstrating for several days, seeking these essential benefits.
In response to the situation, Additional Superintendent Kabir indicated that while the workers’ demands seemed unreasonable, discussions with factory owners would take place. This assurance led the workers to leave the protest site, hopeful for a resolution.
