Workers Block Karwan Bazar Demanding Delayed Malaysia Travel

Workers denied travel to Malaysia block road at Kawran Bazar, starting their demonstration on Sunday morning at the Sark Fountain area.

A group of workers staged a road blockade and mass protest at Karwan Bazar in Dhaka on Sunday, demanding that authorities allow them to travel to Malaysia after repeated delays, causing significant traffic disruptions and inconvenience in the area.

The demonstration began in the morning at the Sark Fountain area, with participants expressing frustration over postponed departures that were initially scheduled for May 2024.

Sajib, a protester, said, “Despite paying between Tk5,00,000 and Tk7,00,000, we have yet to travel. The government delayed the process under the pretext of mandatory training, with each session costing Tk20,000 to Tk25,000. Many of us borrowed money for this, and now our families are struggling.”

Main Uddin Babu, who led the protest, added, “We have become destitute. The government assured us of progress, but nothing has been done. We will remain on the streets until our demands are met.”

Sub-Inspector Mahmudul Hanan of Tejgaon Police Station, overseeing the area, confirmed that protesters were occupying the roadside while demonstrating.

The sit-in reflects growing frustration among migrant workers who have invested large sums in hopes of employment abroad, highlighting the financial and social pressures faced by families left waiting for months.