Authorities have ordered the indefinite closure of Islam Garments Ltd (unit-2) in Gazipur after workers allegedly staged an illegal strike following the death of a female colleague, prompting an ongoing investigation into claims of medical negligence.
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent (SP) Mohammad Amjad Hossain confirmed the closure at 12 pm on Wednesday. Workers arriving for their shifts found a notice at the factory's main gate announcing the shutdown.
According to the factory management, workers disrupted production on June 28 by leaving their workstations and creating what it described as an unstable working environment. The notice further alleged that on June 29 and June 30, employees repeatedly entered the factory, registered their attendance, but refused to work or stopped production despite repeated requests from management.
Citing these actions as an illegal strike, the authorities declared the factory closed indefinitely under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006. Management said the reopening date would be announced once a conducive working environment is restored.
Workers said the protests were triggered by the death of their colleague, Rubina Begum, 45, a swing operator at the factory.
According to employees, Rubina fell ill while on duty on June 27. She received initial treatment at the factory's medical center before being taken to a clinic in Konabari. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to the National Heart Foundation Hospital in Dhaka, where she died later that day.
The workers allege that delays and negligence in providing timely medical treatment contributed to her death. They have demanded an impartial investigation and legal action against anyone found responsible.
Rubina Begum, daughter of the late Sumar Ali Sarkar of Meghai village in Kazipur upazila, Sirajganj, had been living in a rented house in the Konabari (Zorun) area of Gazipur.
Speaking to reporters, SP Mohammad Amjad Hossain said police are investigating the workers' allegations.
"The workers claim that timely intervention by the factory authorities could have prevented the incident. We are examining whether there was any negligence or delay in providing medical treatment," he said.
The SP added that doctors involved in the case have indicated Rubina had pre-existing health complications, though the investigation remains ongoing.
He also said factory management may have opted to suspend operations over concerns that the situation could escalate into vandalism or violence.
"The situation at the factory is currently peaceful," the police official said.
Factory Deputy General Manager (Administration) Tanvir declined to comment, saying he was in a meeting and would respond later.
