Workers of the long-shut Dird Group in Gazipur have demanded that their outstanding dues be paid through the sale of the owner’s assets and properties.
They made the demand at a press conference on Friday, also calling for payment of all arrears, including wages and other benefits, and the reopening of the factory. Affected workers, along with leaders of several labour organisations, attended the event.
Among those who spoke were Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation Central Co-General Secretary Shafiul Alam and Gazipur District President Md Mizanur Rahman.
They said the Dird Group factory has remained closed for a long time and that thousands of workers are living in hardship as the owner is absconding. They alleged that several months’ wages, provident fund contributions, service benefits, earned leave compensation and other dues remain unpaid.
The speakers said a tripartite agreement was signed on November 28, 2023, between workers, factory authorities and the administration. Under the agreement, workers were to receive 50% of benefits stipulated under labor law instead of full compensation, but it has yet to be implemented.
They further alleged that the owners had taken around Tk13 crore in government loans to clear workers’ dues, but the funds were not properly distributed. Around Tk11 crore has reportedly been disbursed during various protest movements, while a significant amount remains unpaid.
They also claimed that machinery and goods worth about Tk200 crore remain inside the factory, but authorities have not taken effective steps to sell the assets and clear workers’ dues. They warned that prolonged neglect could damage the equipment and stock.
The speakers alleged that more than 300 arrest warrants issued by the labor court against the owner have not been enforced. They further said repeated writ petitions filed by the owner’s side in the High Court have resulted in stays on labor court proceedings, delaying workers’ access to compensation.
They said the owner’s side has recently filed another writ petition in the High Court seeking to halt government measures related to payment of workers’ dues. In response, affected workers have joined the petition to present their claims before the court.
Labor leaders expressed hope that the High Court would ensure justice and protect workers’ rights in its verdict.
From the press conference, they demanded immediate sale of the factory’s assets and properties to clear outstanding dues, enforcement of arrest warrants, and appointment of a government administrator to reopen the factory. They warned of tougher protest actions if their demands are not met.
