Traffic movement on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway resumed on Monday after garment workers demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 blocked the road for nearly five hours.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and other law enforcement personnel dispersed the protesters by firing sound grenades in the afternoon, allowing vehicles to resume movement.

Earlier in the morning, workers from several garment factories staged demonstrations and blocked the highway at Konabari, Shafipur, Mouchak and Palli Bidyut in Gazipur.

The blockade brought traffic to a complete halt, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and transport workers.

Law enforcement personnel attempted to remove the protesters from the highway to restore traffic movement. However, clashes and chases broke out between the workers and security personnel during the operation.

Workers Demand Tk 30,000 Minimum Wage

The garment workers said rising prices of essential commodities had significantly increased their living expenses, while their wages had not increased accordingly.

They have been demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000.

The workers said merely forming a wage board would not be sufficient. They urged the authorities to announce the proposed minimum wage without further delay.

Factory Holidays Declared Amid Unrest

Amid the ongoing labour unrest, several garment factories in Konabari, Shafipur, Mouchak and Palli Bidyut announced general holidays from 8:00am on Monday.

However, the Industrial Police could not immediately confirm the total number of factories that had declared holidays.

The latest demonstrations have added to growing tensions in Gazipur's industrial areas, where workers have been protesting over wages and working conditions.

Authorities remain on alert to prevent further unrest and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles along the busy highway.

The resumption of traffic brought some relief to commuters, although concerns over the ongoing garment workers' protests remain.