Chemical workers protest demanding due salaries in Gazipur

National Chemical Manufacturing Factory workers launched a strike demanding their overdue salaries and bonuses in Gazipur on Sunday morning.

The protesting workers said that their salaries for April and May 2024 are outstanding. They were also protesting for the payment of last year's annual leave payment, salary for two months and 19 days, Eid bonuses, and the withdrawal of layoffs. 

The factory’s President Mahfuzur Rahman said: “During the protest, a worker named Manjurul Islam was seriously injured when the industrial police struck him on the head from behind.”
Mosharraf Hossain, the additional superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, said: "Over 100 factory workers are protesting." 

When asked if any workers were injured by the industrial police, he responded: "There was no clash between the police and the workers."

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The workers said that they would not go home for Eid if the overdue wages, Eid bonus, and other dues are not paid. They vowed to continue their protest in front of the factory until they are paid.

Mohammad Jalal Hawlader, a member of the Gazipur district branch of the Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, said that during the protest, industrial police beat up a factory worker. The injured worker was later treated at the local hospital.

MSN Bulu, the managing director (MD) of the factory, could not be reached for comments in this regard.