Workers of TNZ Group on Sunday afternoon issued a five-hour ultimatum, warning of a "nationwide shutdown" if management fails to announce payment of outstanding wages and Eid bonuses within the stipulated time.
The announcement came from a rally in front of Srom Bhaban in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, at 3pm, where workers from eight garment factories under TNZ Group gathered to press their demands.
Labour leader Shahidul Islam delivered the announcement during the rally, which was also attended by leaders of various workers' organizations, as well as Nasiruddin Patwary, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Shahidul alleged that the government and administration are treating the workers unfairly.
He said they will not retreat until their demands are met.
Following the rally, several thousand workers held a procession that marched through Kakrail and Paltan intersections and adjacent roads.
Law enforcement personnel remained on alert during the demonstration.
Earlier on May 10, labour leaders held a press conference in front of Srom Bhaban, saying that all dues were supposed to be cleared by May 7.
However, they accused the factory owners of deceiving the workers, prompting them to return to the streets.
In line with that, workers held protests on May 11 in Gazipur and on May 12 again in front of Srom Bhaban.
Despite these demonstrations, the owners remained indifferent, and the government took no initiative either, according to the workers.
The latest protest saw the workers once again taking to the streets, demanding payment of two months’ worth of dues, Eid bonuses, and service benefits.
They said they have been continuing their movement in both Gazipur and Dhaka for the past two months.
They had earlier blocked roads in Gazipur and staged a seven-day sit-in during Ramadan in front of Srom Bhaban, demanding payment of three months’ back wages and Eid bonuses.
They said that in response to their ongoing protest and under government initiative, the owners had promised on March 29, just a day before Eid, to pay Tk3 crore out of the estimated Tk17 crore owed.
The workers also said that, however, the owners failed to keep their promise. Despite committing to pay Tk3 crore, they disbursed only Tk2.67 crore, and even that amount came with significant complications and delays.
During the March 29 meeting, the labour secretary assured all workers that they would receive their dues before May Day.
Respecting this statement, the workers suspended their sit-in program that day.
On April 8, they joined a tripartite meeting chaired by the labour secretary and agreed to the decisions made there.
At that meeting, it was announced—without prior notice—that the factories would be closed.
Given the circumstances, a tripartite committee led by the additional labour secretary was formed to assess the total dues and the fixed and movable assets of the owners.
According to the decision made at the committee’s April 22 meeting, the owners agreed to settle all outstanding payments by May 7.
It was also agreed that the government would properly monitor the process.
But even after the deadline, the dues remain unpaid.
Worker representatives said they have not received any clear updates from the committee either.
