RMG workers block Dhaka-Narayanganj road over layoffs

RMG workers block Dhaka-Narayanganj road on Wednesday over layoffs.

Workers of Eurotex Knitwear held a protest by blocking the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in Fatullah on Wednesday.

The protest was in response to the abrupt layoff of 27 workers, they said.

According to the workers, the layoff decision was made without any prior warning, and the authorities also filed cases against them. As tensions escalated, workers stopped working, prompting an unprovoked attack by senior officials, they added. Several workers sustained injuries during the incident.

Ajufer Begum, one of the affected workers, expressed frustration over the layoffs and unpaid wages for the previous month, saying, "They are laying off workers without reason, and even the last month's salary remains unpaid. When we stopped work, we were attacked, and I sustained serious injuries to my hand. We will continue our protest until our demands are met."

The protest was supported by the District Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, who’s President, MA Shaheen, condemned the actions of the factory owners. He said, “The owners have filed cases against 27 workers, using the police to harass them and inciting local goons against the workers. Our demand is clear — withdraw the false cases and stop the police harassment.”

The protesting workers have called for an end to the layoffs and the withdrawal of the cases filed against them. They also demand an immediate halt to intimidation by local goons.

In response, Selim Badsha, the Inspector of the Industrial Police-4, confirmed that the workers had blocked the road as part of their protest against the layoffs and other demands. Efforts are underway to negotiate a solution to the issue.

District Factory and Establishment Inspection Directorate official Rajib Chandra Ghosh said the workers had caused disturbances at various times since August 5, prompting the factory owners to take legal action. In recent talks, the owners confirmed that they would proceed with the legal process and lay off 95 workers under the Labour Law - UNB