The workers of SQ Sweaters Ltd at Sheorapara in Mirpur, who have been agitating to realise their nine-point demand for the last six months, withdrew the blockade following the factory owner's assurance of negotiations at 2:00pm today about their demands.

Six months ago, the authorities sacked 15 workers when around 1,500 workers of the factory launched a movement demanding appointment letters in line with labour law, better wages, timely wages, overtime allowances, bonuses, vacation during Eids and a few other privileges.

The workers alleged they wanted to meet the owner to discuss their demands but the owner refused to meet them.

Following local Ward Commissioner Abdul Qader's assurance of arranging a meeting with the owners within a month, they withdrew their movement on May 27. Most of the workers stopped working on June 28 and 29 as the owner did not have the meeting with them in the stipulated one-month time.

Yesterday at around 8:00am, they found a notice on the factory gate stating the expulsion of 28 workers for their involvement with the workers' movement and suspension of production for 15 days.

The workers brought out a procession and went to the local commissioner's home. As the commissioner was not at house, they took to the streets in front of their factory blocking traffic movement. Police later detoured vehicles from Mirpur-10 and Agargaon intersection to avoid gridlocks.

Addressing a rally on the Rokeya Sarani, leaders of the garment workers vowed not to withdraw the blockade until the factory owner met them. However, after talking to the factory owner Golam Faruq over cellphone, the workers withdrew their blockade. A large number of police and Rab personnel were sent there to prevent any untoward incidents.

Workers of the factory suspect a few corrupt high officials of the factory embezzle the workers money and benefits keeping the owner in the dark.