Commuters suffer as RMG workers block Mirpur Road

Commuters crossing Mirpur Road in Dhaka have been suffering immensely as several hundred garments workers took to the streets in Shyamoli halting traffic movement demanding arrears and bonuses. 

Around 800 workers of a local garment factory came down to the road around 9:50 AM, blocking one of the busiest roads in the capital, Osman Gani, Traffic Inspector (TI) stationed in Kalyanpur, told The Daily Star Online today morning.

Hundreds of people walk to their destinations as vehicular movement was halted by the protesting garments workers on Mirpur Road in Shyamoli on Thursday, January 16, 2020. Photo: Palash Khan

Around 12:00 PM, the road was freed after senior police officials and the factory owner went to the spot and calmed them down, the TI said.

Garments workers take position on the Mirpur Road in Shyamoli demanding their due arrears on Thursday, January 16, 2020. Photo taken from Facebook/ Traffic Alert group

Later, the protesters were seen gathering beside the road in the area, he said.

Garments workers' protest halt traffic movement on Mirpur Road at Shyamoli on Thursday, January 16, 2020. Photo: Palash Khan

Due to the blocking, long tailbacks were created from Panthapath, Kalabagan up to Amin Bazar, the police official said. 

On Manik Miah Avenue, parents with their school-going children fell into trouble over finding a ride to their destination as there were no vehicles to take them. A few rickshaws were there but the pullers were not interested to take any passengers even on a higher fare, reports a staff correspondent who was present at the spot.