DHAKA: A female garment worker was killed in a road accident this morning (March 10) on Banani Chairmanbari road, triggering protests by fellow workers that have caused severe traffic disruptions in the area.
The deceased was identified as Sumaiya Akter, 20, Mohammad Rasel Sarwar, officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station, said adding that her body has been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Following the accident, fellow workers blocked Banani Chairmanbari road.
The protesting garment workers also blocked the expressway ramp near Banani Chairmanbari, halting operation since 7:40am, Hasib Hasan Khan, head of the Traffic Safety and Security Department at First Dhaka Elevated Expressway O&M Company, told The Daily Star.
As of 11:30am, the protest is still ongoing, Hasib said, adding that "Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area, but expressway services will remain suspended until security and safety are ensured."
According to OC Rasel Sarwar, another person was seriously injured after being hit by an unidentified truck.
In response to the tragic incident, garment workers have taken to the streets, blocking both incoming and outgoing roads in Banani. They have also halted vehicular movement on the elevated expressway, demanding justice for their deceased colleague, DMP said in a Facebook post today.
As a result, traffic congestion has intensified on both sides of the road, causing significant delays. Law enforcement officials are currently working to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy in the area, it said.
Many people were seen walking down from the expressway to reach their destinations. - The Daily Star
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