Staff Reporter :
The workers’ unrest in the apparel factories across the industrial belt in Ashulia and Gazipur is ongoing, causing instability in the region while the interim government attempts to control the situation with law enforcement agencies.
At least 60 factories were shut down on Wednesday following workers’ demonstrations, as they demanded the elimination of all forms of discrimination prevalent in various garment factories in the industrial zone for a prolonged period.
According to the industrial police and local sources, workers from different factories in the Bypail-Jirabo area of Ashulia arrived at their workplaces on time on Wednesday morning.
However, at around 8:30 am, workers from closed factories began protesting in front of functioning factories, throwing bricks and stones. Job seekers also joined the protests, forcing factory authorities to declare a holiday.
The protesting workers then blocked various roads, and the army and industrial police had to intervene to remove them. As the protest spilt over to the streets, it led to a chaotic situation of traffic snarls while raising concerns about the deteriorating safety and security in the region.
After a meeting with factory owners and trade union leaders, Adviser of the Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives AF Hasan Arif commented that “outsiders” were responsible for the workers’ unrest in Ashulia and other parts of the country.
“Today we held a meeting about the workers’ unrests. We have reports that the real workers would not burn their own houses because these run their livelihoods.
The outsiders are responsible. Prevent the outsiders; we are with you,” he added.
He further stated that the government would not pressurise citizens, but now stringent steps have to be taken against certain people to save factories, workers, and the country’s economy.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporter1s Association (BGMEA) President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam announced that all factories will remain open from Thursday.
He mentioned that around 100 apparel factories were closed on Wednesday due to workers’ demonstrations, and incidents of attacks took place in some areas. Ismail Hossain, Managing Director of Sharmin Group, told the media that after work began in the factories in the morning, some people vandalised two minibuses carrying staff outside the factory. To ensure safety and prevent further vandalism, the factory decided to give workers a holiday.
Around 10am, workers at Pearl Garments Company Limited in the Palashbari area protested for demands including a Tk 800 attendance bonus, an annual salary increase, and maternity leave.
They eventually blocked the Dhaka-Chandra highway, causing severe traffic congestion. By 2pm, army and district police arrived at the scene and asked the workers to clear the road. Some factories were also opened with their intervention.
However, the workers insisted they would remain on the road until their demands were met. Dhaka District Police Superintendent Ahmed Mueed negotiated with the workers.
Meanwhile, some workers guarded the entrances of their factories to prevent attacks. At the Gildan Bangladesh factory in Palashbari, workers were stationed outside to protect the factory, stating that it was their responsibility to safeguard their workplace, as it is their source of livelihood.
According to Mohammad Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, workers arrived at their factories on time but protested outside various factories.
When workers at Ha-Meem Group’s factory questioned why others were still working, the factory decided to close.
As a result, at least 60 factories in Ashulia announced a holiday. The situation in the area was reported under control.