Beximco workers resume protests hours after calling it off

Just hours after calling off their five-day protest, workers of Beximco Industrial Park in Gazipur resumed demonstrations this morning, blocking the Dhaka-Tangail Highway at the Chakraborty intersection.
Around 500 to 600 workers began protesting at 11:30am, said Rafiqul Islam, deputy inspector of the Gazipur Industrial Police.
A group of protesting workers seeking anonymity said factory authorities had promised to meet them today to discuss outstanding salaries and set a payment date. However, they alleged that no meeting took place.
“We waited since morning, but the authorities did not sit with us or make any decision about the arrears. We will continue our protest until we receive our salaries,” one worker said.
The delay in salary payments has left many workers struggling to pay rent and meet other essential expenses, they added.
Despite the demonstration, traffic on alternative routes remained unaffected, deputy inspector added.
Earlier in the day, Kashimpur Police Station Sub-Inspector Jahangir Hossain said that the highway was clear from 8:00am to 11:00am, with the situation calm until late morning.
The latest demonstration follows assurances from Beximco authorities last night that October’s overdue salaries would be paid. A senior official had met with the workers, reaching a tentative agreement to resolve the issue.
Kashimpur Police Station Inspector Mohiuddin said workers had returned to the factory premises this morning but did not resume work.
“Beximco authorities assured the payment of outstanding salaries, but further clarification from senior officials awaits,” he added.
Attempts to contact Beximco Industrial Park authorities for comment were unsuccessful.