Around 700–800 garment workers of NASA Mainland staged a road blockade today on the Tejgaon Link Road between Mohakhali and Nabisco in the city, demanding payment of their outstanding wages.
To control the situation and address the workers’ demands, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque rushed to the scene following special instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Upon arrival, they held lengthy discussions with both the workers and the factory authorities. Addressing the workers after the meeting, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said, “I have come here today following the Prime Minister’s directive.”
“We have convened a special meeting tomorrow at 11:00 am at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, where worker representatives, the owners of NASA Mainland, the BGMEA President, and all relevant stakeholders will be present,” he added.
The minister further noted that the issue involves certain legal complications and ongoing cases. “A solution will be reached in a way that ensures workers are not deprived, while the owners can continue their normal operations,” he added.
State Minister Md. Nurul Haque urged the workers to remain calm, stating that during this Eid-ul-Fitr, unlike previous times, no major road blockades occurred due to coordinated efforts by the government and related organizations.
He also appealed to the workers to clear the road to ease public suffering, saying, “We want to support you, and we seek your cooperation in return.”
During the discussion, NASA Mainland authorities informed that their bank accounts and fixed assets are currently frozen, making it difficult to operate the factory. However, they assured that they are capable of paying the March salaries.
The company also sought special government assistance to clear payments related to workers’ earned leave.
Following the Labour Minister’s assurance and the announcement of tomorrow’s meeting, the workers suspended their protest and withdrew the road blockade.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment and law enforcement agencies were present at the scene.
