Workers block Nabinagar-Chandra road for 2nd day over arrears

Around 7,500 workers of Lenny Fashion and Lenny Apparels, located in Dhaka EPZ, are holding demonstrations by blocking the Nabinagar-Chandra Highway in Ashulia for the second consecutive day on Wednesday (November 27), demanding unpaid dues.

The factories were shut down four years back during the Covid-19 crisis. The workers have been protesting since Tuesday morning, causing severe traffic disruptions on both sides of the highway.

The agitating workers are demanding unpaid salaries of three months, service benefits, and other dues.

The workers alleged that no progress has been made in resolving their issues despite repeated assurances from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza).

Md Islam, a worker from Lenny Apparels, said, “I am owed Tk44,000, including one month’s salary and other benefits, since the factory closed four years ago. We were promised payment on November 30, but we doubt it will happen. That’s why we have taken to the streets.”

Faridul Islam, organizing secretary of the National Garment Workers Federation, said, “Lenny Fashion and Lenny Apparels were closed in 2021 due to financial crises, but workers’ dues, including service benefits, remain unpaid.”

Industrial police said they were working to resolve the issue after holding discussions between the authorities and the workers.

Abdus Sobhan, the executive director of Dhaka EPZ, could not be reached for any comment on the issue.

Meanwhile, members of law enforcement agencies remain alert to avert further untoward incident.