Workers have been protesting in front of Wahab Jute Mill, in Khulna, against the suspension of four workers.
They halted production and gathered in front of the Labanchara gate of the mill, Thursday morning.
The suspended workers are: Md Morshed Ali Sheikh from the packaging department; Md Liton Gazi, head technician of machinery; Md Masum, assistant technician; and Sumon Farazi, technician.
The suspended workers said that, after coming to work on Thursday morning, they saw their suspension notice hanging on the gate. When other workers came to know of it, all of them left their work and started protesting.
Md Morshed Ali Sheikh claimed he and the others were suspended because they had led the workers' demands for an increase in daily wages.
"Our minimum wage is Tk165," Morshed said. "Every year, after consulting us, our daily wages are increased by Tk25-30.
"However, this year the owners only increased it by Tk15; without consulting us," he said. "On January 17, I led the workers' demands to increase the daily wage. Although they assured us they would increase it, later, they did not keep their word."
The protesting workers have pledged to continue their protests until the suspended workers are allowed to return to their jobs.
General Manager of Wahab Jute Mill Nazrul Islam said the workers beat up a few of their officers a few days back. "We shall take measures against them. And we are also discussing the matter of wages."
