|| Md. Tanju Ahmed, Raipur Correspondent: Workers of Bengal Shoe Industries Ltd. blocked the Lakshmipur-Chandpur regional highway and staged a protest on Thursday, 21 May 2026, demanding payment of outstanding wages and Eid bonus.The demonstrators shut the main gate of the internationally-standard yarn factory in Rakhalia, Raipur Upazila, and occupied the highway to press their demands.According to the workers, the factory had announced a four-day holiday for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. When they returned on the morning of 14 February, they found the gate locked and a notice of extended leave. The workers allege the management declared a 45-day closure without prior notice and without paying one month’s wages and allowances.“We are in trouble as the factory was shut without paying wages and bonus just before Eid,” said worker Lipi Akter. Another worker, Shopna, said through tears, “We work for low wages, and when it’s time to pay salary and bonus, they treat us like this.”Litton, another affected worker, said, “If we don’t get wages and bonus, it will be very hard for our families to survive. We request the owners to meet our demands quickly.”Factory lineman Shakil Hossain said the road blockade was withdrawn after discussions with workers and management. The owners have assured that a portion of the dues will be paid by 30 May.Sources added that not only workers but also permanent officers and staff are owed six to seven months of unpaid salaries and allowances. Those concerned have called for a quick resolution to the situation.