Around 30 factories in Dhaka's Savar and Ashulia industrial areas were closed on Sunday as workers protested over various demands.
However, no incidents of violence or clashes were reported as of noon, and the majority of factories in the area continued their operations.
Despite workers initially joining their shifts in the morning, authorities declared factory holidays later in the day due to escalating tensions.
By 11am, factories including New Age and Al Muslim were declared closed, which spread unrest to other factories, prompting further closures.
According to the Industrial Police, protests took place at around 20 factories, including Yagi Bangladesh, New Age, Al Muslim, and Generation Next.
Workers from other groups, such as Lusaka, Muscat, and Beximco (21 units), also caused disruptions inside the factories. As negotiations with authorities failed to resolve their demands, several factories were forced to close.
Additionally, five-six factories had already been closed earlier due to ongoing protests, confirmed Md Sarwar Alam, police superintendent of Industrial Police-1.
Law enforcement has intensified security measures in areas where labour protests have been ongoing for the past few days.
Army, Industrial Police, and APBn personnel have been deployed in front of Pearl Garment Company Limited in the Palashbari area of Ashulia.
Additionally, Army, APBn, and police officers are stationed in front of several factories along the Bypail-Abdullahpur road in Ashulia's Narsinghpur area. The Army, RAB, BGB, and police are patrolling the roads.
Superintendent of Police for Industrial Area Police-1 Mohammad Sarwar Alam said that workers reported to their factories on time in the morning. However, employees at Al Muslim, Mandal, and New Age Group factories went on strike due to unmet demands, leading to factory closures. As nearby factories were also shut down, at least 30 more were closed for security reasons.
He added that some workers are idling in certain factories.
Many believe that the current unrest in the garment sector can be resolved through a joint effort by owners, workers, and stakeholders.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Centre, noted that less than 2% of factories in Ashulia are facing problems.
He mentioned that sincere owners, such as those from Gildan and NASA Group, have already resolved issues.
According to Mintu, if owners show genuine concern, the problems can be addressed.
He further emphasized that most of the workers’ demands are aligned with existing labour laws. If factory owners adhere to these laws and discuss attendance bonuses with the workers, the issues could be resolved.
