Protests continued on Thursday in key readymade garment (RMG) hubs like Ashulia, Savar, and Gazipur, despite stricter measures by joint forces.
At least 129 RMG factories declared a holiday on Thursday after workers took to the streets, demanding better working conditions, according to sources from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The protests began early in the morning, with workers from several factories along the Bypail-Abdullahpur road joining the demonstrations. By 10:30 a.m., several factories, including Ananta, New Age, NASSA, Bando, Medlar, Sterling Styles, Ha-meem, Windy, and Sharmin, had closed as workers left their workplaces.
Support from local residents has been noticeable throughout the protests. In response to the escalating situation, the BGMEA held an emergency meeting on Thursday night.
BGMEA Senior Vice-President Abdullah Hil Rakib stated that they plan to meet with the chief Aadviser on Friday to discuss the situation. Representatives from various ministries are expected to attend the meeting. Rakib emphasized that the factories will remain closed until the government assures their safety.
According to sources, some factory workers joined the protests on Thursday alongside outsiders. On Wednesday, RMG factories in Ashulia, Savar, and Gazipur had decided to reopen, following assurances from security forces that strict joint operations would be conducted in the industrial areas from Wednesday night.
Authorities warned that protesters who are not working at their machines would be considered criminals, and law enforcement agencies would take appropriate legal action.
Industry insiders believe that genuine workers are not among the protesters, but rather outsiders with vested interests. They have called on security forces to take more stringent actions against these groups.
On Wednesday, a meeting was held at the BGMEA Complex in the capital, attended by past presidents, current board members, and prominent industrialists, along with representatives from the Bangladesh Army, Police, Industrial Police, NSI, and DGFI, to urgently discuss the situation.