On Tuesday, around 31 ready-made garment (RMG) factories in the Savar and Ashulia areas shut down due to worker protests.
Out of these, 15 factories were closed indefinitely under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, which enforces a "no work, no pay" rule. Additionally, four factories were closed after workers arrived but chose not to work. In Gazipur, three more RMG factory units were also shut down.
Mohiuddin Rubel, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), confirmed the numbers.
Despite two weeks of worker unrest, most RMG factories in Savar and Ashulia were fully operational by Sunday. Surprisingly, many remained open on Monday, even though it was a government holiday.
A garment worker killed in Ashulia
Meanwhile, a female worker was killed in a clash between two groups of workers in front of Mascot Garment factory on Tuesday morning in the Zirabo area of Ashulia.
The deceased was Rokeya Begum, 35, a sewing machine operator at Mascot Garments.
At least three others sustained injuries in the clash in front of the factory as well.
Md Sarwar Alam, superintendent of police (SP) for Industrial Police-1, said the clash between workers of Mascot Garments and Radiance Fashion started at around 8:45 am, resulting in the death of the female worker.
According to Industrial Police, due to ongoing labor unrest, Mascot Garments Limited was closed for the last few days under Section 13(1).
This morning, the workers of the factory went to the front of the factory and started a protest demanding the opening of the factory.
At one stage, when the workers attacked the neighboring two garment factories, Radiance and Southern, started throwing bricks, and a clash started between the workers of Radiance and Southern and the workers of Mascot Garments.
Meanwhile, a three-way clash took place between the workers and bricks were thrown. At least five workers, including Rokeya Begum, were seriously injured when the workers threw bricks.
Later, when Rokeya was rescued and taken to a local hospital for treatment, the doctor on duty declared him dead.
The situation in Savar and Ashulia was normal despite the incidents due to the heavy presence of the army, police, RAB, APBN, and BGB.
The workers joined their respective workstations peacefully despite several RMG factory units declared closed due to the protests.
What stakeholders say
Meanwhile, the army, RAB, and police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
BGMEA, army, worker leaders and factory-related parties discussed how to solve the crisis.
After the discussion in the afternoon, the senior vice-president of BGMEA, Abdullah Hill Rakib, said that he had spoken to the family of the deceased. The loss they have suffered is irreparable, but I have given them financial assistance of five lakh taka.
Later, we discussed with about 20/25 workers so that the factory runs smoothly and no such incident happens again. We hope the factory will run smoothly from Saturday. Besides, treatment will be arranged for those who are injured.
In this regard, Legal Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Center Khairul Mamun Mintu said that in case of riots, employers can take action under Section 23/4 of the Labor Act. But in the previous such action, it was seen that the investigation committee was formed by the owner's people and the workers were laid off. The concerned administration should look into this matter.
On the other hand, Pearl Garments Company Ltd. of Ashulia's Palashbari area: The authorities have suspended 75 workers after alleging riots in the factory.
They are dismissed under Section 23/4 of the Labor Act.
Meanwhile. Mohiuddin Rubel said that the law enforcement agencies took a much stronger position. As per the request and their commitment, they have played a sincere role.
Regarding the protests, he said that almost all the major demands of the workers were accepted but they don’t know why the protests are still persistent.
Earlier, the situation in the readymade garment (RMG) industrial hubs of Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur was largely normal on Sunday after persistent unrest for more than two weeks.
The factory workers attended their respective workstations peacefully in the morning despite the heavy downpour.
However, industry insiders said that the situation is good, but they have to be more vigilant to maintain this situation and counter any conspiracy against the industry.
Earlier on Saturday, at a meeting at the BGMEA Complex, Labour and Employment Ministry Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said that all readymade garment factories will open for production from Sunday, while law enforcement agencies will ensure security.