Workers of `RAK Ceramics Ltd` blocked Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur`s Sreepur on Sunday morning to press home their 10-point demands.

The blockade caused severe traffic congestion on both sides of the highway and created chaotic situation, forcing the law enforcement agencies to fire tear gas shells and use sound grenades to disperse the protesters.

According to Sreepur Police Station OC Mohammad Abdul Barik, when the police personnel tried to remove the workers from road to ease the traffic, the protesters started throwing brickchips. A chase and counter-chase took place between the groups. The cops then fired tear shells to control the situation.

The factory workers began their protests early in the morning, voicing their demands, including payment of outstanding wages and allowances.

After around two hours of blockade, security forces intervened in an effort to remove the workers from the highway, leading to clashes.