An eight-member delegation of garment workers were set to meet with the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday, demanding the payment of their overdue wages and Eid bonuses, as their protest continued despite heavy rain.
The delegation, comprised of protesting workers stationed in front of Kakrail Mosque in the capital, entered the official residence of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at around 4:30pm.
The delegation included Mazharul Islam, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party's (NCP) workers' wing; Shah Alam, joint coordinator; Taslima Akhter, president of the Garment Workers' Solidarity; labour leader Shahidul Islam; worker Shahin; and three others.
According to sources, the workers went to Jamuna for final negotiations over their long-standing dues and Eid bonuses.
The protesters said they will end their protest if the issue is resolved; otherwise, they will continue their movement.
Earlier, at around 2:30pm, several hundred workers began marching from Srom Bhaban under their "march to Jamuna" program, heading toward the chief adviser’s residence.
However, they were stopped by police barricades in front of the chief justice’s residence and began a sit-in protest in front of the Kakrail Mosque.
Despite heavy rain, the workers continued their demonstration.
After the rain stopped, they protested with renewed energy, chanting slogans such as: “We want our wages and bonuses—settle all dues today,” “We do not want charity, we demand our rightful dues,” “Where is the sweat of 14 months? TNZ must answer!”
The workers claimed that TNZ Group owes nearly Tk20.86 crore in dues to 1,058 workers.
During the last Ramadan, the company had promised to pay Tk3 crore but disbursed only Tk2.67 crore, which the workers allege was a form of deceit.
Labour leader Shahidul Islam said the movement will continue until their demands are met and that no one would return until then.
