17 factories in Ashulia declare holiday amid unrest

At least 17 RMG factories in the Ashulia industrial zone have declared holiday amid protests by the workers.

The number of factories declaring closure might increase as the day progresses, said sources at the industrial police.

"17 factories have declared holiday as the workers did not work and the management did not come to the factories," said Md Sarwar Alam, superintendent of industrial police unit-1, claiming that the situation has improved compared to previous days.

"Sharmin Group declared a holiday in the morning, workers of Nassa Group did not work due to the absence of management, and workers of Ananta Group have refrained from work, presenting various demands. We're trying to calm the situation by talking to everyone," he added.

Sarwar also said workers try to bring their fellow workers from other factories out when they leave one factory.

"As a result, some factories are declaring holidays even without having any issues," he said.

Calmness yet to prevail in Ashulia industrial zone despite assurance from trade union leaders

Meanwhile, labour leaders believe they do not have much representation in the talks that are taking place between BGMEA and stakeholders.

"This is the reason why the problem has persisted. Labour leaders have little control over the ongoing unrest too," labour leaders said.

When asked about the issue, Khairul Mamun Mintu, the legal affairs secretary of Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers' Trade Union Centre (GWTUC), told TBS, "Representation of labour leaders in the talks has to be increased, as regional leaders often convey the demands made by workers to the authorities."

However, Mintu acknowledged that many workers think they don't need any trade union leaders.

"Still, the importance of labour leaders' involvement in discussions is huge," Mintu added.