In Narayanganj, workers of Laris Fashion blocked the Dhaka–Chittagong highway for about two hours on Monday to protest the death of their colleague, 30-year-old Rina Akhter, a machine operator in the factory’s sewing section. The blockade began around 10:30 am in the Madanpur area and caused long traffic congestion in the Chittagong-bound lane, disrupting movement for several kilometers.
Workers alleged that Rina fell ill at work on Sunday and repeatedly asked for sick leave, but factory authorities reportedly refused her request and compelled her to keep working. When her condition worsened, coworkers took her first to a nearby hospital, and later to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where she was declared dead. They claim that negligence and disregard for workers’ health led to her death.
In response to the protest, the factory management stated that they did take Rina to the hospital and denied allegations of negligence. The CEO of Laris Fashion added that arrangements for funeral costs were being made and that those in supervisory positions on her floor would be dismissed in view of workers’ demands. However, workers said such steps are not enough without full accountability and legal action.
Police from Bandar Police Station arrived at the scene, spoke with the workers, and assured an investigation, after which the blockade was lifted and traffic flow returned to normal. Workers, however, emphasized that they will continue demanding justice, compensation, and systemic change to prevent further deaths caused by exploitative conditions and denial of basic workplace rights.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 