A 20km tailback was created on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway as apparel workers put blockade in Chandina upazila of Cumilla Friday, demanding their wages and bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. 

Thousands of homebound people, transport workers, and cattle traders suffered due to the gridlock amid hot weather. Particularly, the suffering of women, children, patients, and airport-bound passengers knew no bounds.

Locals said although workers of the Denim Processing Plant took to the streets in the Belashahar area around 11am, they ended their demonstrations around 12:30pm after being assured of getting wages and bonuses.

In the meantime, huge tailbacks were created stretching from the Kabila area in Burichang upazila to Eliotganj in Daudkandi upazila.

A resident of Feni, Billal Hossain, said he needed to reach the airport by 2pm to catch the flight. “I have hired a car for quick arrival, but I have got stuck in Chandina.”

Truck driver Anwar Hossain said he was heading towards Chattogram with cows from Sirajganj. “Now, I am stuck in a severe traffic jam amid scorching heat, while cows can also get sick in this condition”

Venting her anger, Shahana Parvin, a passenger of Shyamoli Paribahan, said the administration must do something to ease the suffering of the homebound people and others.
  
Chandina Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jaber Md Shoaib said, “We removed the workers from the highway after giving assurance of resolving their issues. The police are working to normalise traffic movement.”

BDST: 1534 HRS, JUNE 19, 2024
MSK