Garment workers staged a demonstration and blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway at Jaina Bazar area in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Wednesday, demanding payment of their due wages.

Traffic movement on the busy highway remained suspended for nearly an hour due to the blockade.

As police failed to remove the agitating workers from the road through persuasion, they fired several rounds of sound grenades and teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

The protesting workers said they took to the streets after demonstrating at the factory gate to press for their demands, including one month’s unpaid salary. They alleged that police baton-charged them and fired sound grenades and tear gas shells during the drive, leaving at least five workers injured.

Sreepur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Barek Mia said the workers were first requested to clear the highway and allow traffic movement. 

When they obstructed police, we had to take action,” he said.

He added that discussions were underway with the factory authorities to ensure payment of the workers’ arrears. 

The situation is now under control,” the OC said.