Workers of Lariz Fashion Ltd, a garments factory in Bandar upazila of Narayanganj, blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway for about three hours today, protesting the death of a fellow worker who they claimed was denied sick leave.
The workers took to the streets around 10:00am and kept a portion of the busy highway blocked till around 12:30pm, causing several kilometres long tailback of vehicles.
According to protesters, Rina, a sewing operator at the factory, fell ill on Sunday while on duty and was first taken to a local hospital. She was later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where she was declared dead.
Holding the factory management responsible for her death, the workers alleged that Rina had sought leave after falling sick but was forced to continue working, which worsened her condition.
They demanded action against those involved and refrained from joining work.
"After our repeated request to free the highway, the protesters calmed down around 12:30pm and withdrew the blockade, allowing traffic to resume gradually," said Liaqat Ali, officer-in-charge of Bandar Police Station.
Industrial police later sat with representatives of the workers and factory's management to discuss the issue. Legal measures will be taken following the discussion, the OC added.
An official of Lariz Fashion, wishing anonymity, refuted the allegation of negligence, and claimed the management had arranged immediate medical support as Rina reported feeling unwell.
"The factory will bear all costs for her burial," the official added.