RMG workers anxious over post-unrest arrests

Workers were seen coming to the factory gate to see if their names were on the list or not. Garments workers seemed panicked after their unscheduled industrial action was met with owner-initiated shutdowns and a hunt for instigators. Some Windy Garments workers living at Beron in Jamgora, Ashulia said fellow workers had left home fearing arrest. After visiting several houses, mostly mess halls, many garments workers appeared to be away from home. Again, when asked, many residents refused to disclose their identity. Some even denied being garments workers and claimed to be small traders. Mostafa, worker of a closed factory, said they were still in fear of being arrested at any time as police had arrested Windy Garments employees on December 20 from his rented flat in Swarna Villa. Afroja, another worker of a closed garments factory, was seen coming out through a tiny gate beside Swarna Villa in Beron. When approached, she reacted sharply and asked why anybody would ask her about her living. When she realised she had been approached by a journalist, she sought anonymity and said after the December 14 unrest, she left for village out of fear. She said she had returned yesterday morning after her neighbour informed her that the situation had improved. Police were seen making public announcements yesterday near Fantasy Kingdom until around 12pm. Police, RAB and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were seen patrolling the road. Locals people appeared to be anxious, said Faruk Hossain, a furniture company employee who was injured by the police during the unrest on December 14. BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman said that workers who were not connected to the unrest need not panic as the trade body would not bring complaints against workers.