Garment Workers Return to Work in Gazipur, Savar-Ashulia and Narayanganj as Industrial Production Resumes in Full Swing
Workers have returned to their respective workplaces in a peaceful atmosphere at various factories in the industrial zones of Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia and Narayanganj, with production activities continuing. Following previous discontent and protests over wages, allowances and demands for minimum wage increases, normal industrial activity resumed on Thursday (November 12) amid strict surveillance by law enforcement agencies and administrative efforts.
However, sporadic protests were also reported in some areas. Several factories declared holidays following workers’ protests in Naojor, Itahata, Chandana Chowrasta and Bhogra Bypass, Kashimpur and Jarun in Gazipur city, as well as Bagher Bazar and Memberbari in Gazipur Sadar upazila. However, as the situation later returned to normal, workers also joined their workplaces at those factories from Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, workers turned up spontaneously at various factories in Baipail, Jamgora, Zirabo, Narsinghpur and Hemayetpur in Savar and Ashulia. Many workers arrived at factory gates ahead of their scheduled working hours and entered after showing their ID cards. Movement of workers and the general public on roads surrounding the factories also remained normal.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Centre, said most workers had entered factories peacefully and completed their attendance formalities.
The situation in Narayanganj has also returned to normal. A peaceful atmosphere prevailed in the Shibu Market and Kathpuli areas along the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road from the morning, with workers returning to their respective workplaces.
To ensure security in the industrial zones, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir and Superintendent of Police Md. Habibur Rahman visited several important points across the district. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to maintain a cordial relationship with workers and discharge their duties through coordination among law enforcement agencies. BNP leaders and activists were also seen maintaining peaceful positions at various locations in Narayanganj.
Meanwhile, clashes and chases between workers and police were reported in some areas of Ashulia over demands for a minimum wage increase and the implementation of nine demands. When workers from several factories of the Ha-Meem Group attempted to stage protests and observe a work stoppage in the Sarkar Market area along the Baipail-Abdullahpur highway, police dispersed them.
On the other hand, workers from several factories staged demonstrations and blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in the Mouchak area of Kaliakair, Gazipur, demanding higher wages and allowances and the reopening of closed factories.
The situation arose following discontent over wages and the closure of a unit of ‘Samahar’ in Harkitola and a unit of ‘Apex Food’ in the Palli Bidyut area. The blockade caused traffic congestion on the highway for some time. Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and SRB personnel were deployed at the scene to bring the situation under control.
To maintain overall law and order, large numbers of BGB personnel, executive magistrates and members of various intelligence agencies, alongside police, remain active in Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia and Narayanganj.
