Seven factories shut indefinitely amid labor unrest in Kaliakair
A fire has been set at severa teal stalls on the footpath at Chandra bus stand area. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
Authorities have announced the indefinite closure of seven garment factories in the Kaliakair industrial zone of Gazipur following labor unrest. In addition, holidays have been declared at more than fifty other factories. Unrest is growing in the industrial zone due to days of protests, road blockades, and clashes demanding a minimum wage of Tk 30,000 and other issues.
Amid this, workers were seen protesting Sunday morning at the Mouchak and Pallibidyut areas of the Dhaka-Tangail highway. Meanwhile, reports of arson at a bus and several footpath shops in the Chandra bus stand area have been received. Overall, concerns are rising over workers' employment and overall security in the industrial zone.
This morning, workers arriving for work found notices of indefinite closure at the gates of seven factories. Among the closed factories are Apex Footwear, Apex Holding, Ecotex, and Devine in the Pallibidyut area. Additionally, several factories in the Safipur and Ratanpur areas have also been declared closed. Among them are Korani Fashions Limited and Korani Knit Composite Limited.
Many workers who came to work upon seeing the closure notices returned. Some waited for a long time in front of the factories but could not confirm anything about work. Thousands of workers are now in uncertainty, fearing they may become jobless.
Protests by workers continue even amid the factory closures. This morning, workers from various factories took to the streets in the Mouchak and Pallibidyut areas demanding a wage increase. They alleged that although they had been demanding a fair wage increase for a long time, no effective solution had been reached. Now, with the factory closures announced, they are worried about employment and supporting their families.
Workers demand that factories remain open, wages be increased, and a normal working environment be ensured.
Earlier, on Saturday morning around 8:30 am, workers began protesting in the Chandra Pallibidyut area. At one point, they positioned themselves on the Dhaka-Tangail highway and blocked it, halting traffic in both directions. Later, the protests spread to the Mouchak and Safipur areas as well. This caused long traffic jams on the highway. Passengers and transport workers suffered.
Law enforcement agencies took positions at the scene to control the situation. During this time, chase and counter-chase and clashes occurred between police and workers. Police fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to control the situation.
Meanwhile, new concerns have arisen over the arson incident in the Chandra bus stand area. Local sources claim that miscreants set fire to a bus there. Several footpath shops were also set on fire. These incidents amid labor unrest have raised concerns about the security situation in the industrial zone.
To control the situation, members of law enforcement agencies have been kept on alert in various industrial zones of Gazipur. Members of various forces, including police, BGB, and Ansar, are performing duties at important points. Executive magistrates have also been assigned by the district administration to control the situation.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Amjad Hossain of the Gazipur Industrial Police said that the industrial police is monitoring the workers' protests and discontent. Today as well, workers from several factories suddenly came out on the roads and protested. Considering the situation, some factory authorities have announced closures. However, the notices of all closed factories have not yet reached the industrial police. After receiving the notices, it will be possible to provide details on which factories have been declared closed.
He also said that law enforcement agencies are on alert to prevent any untoward situation centering on labor unrest.
