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

Situation at Ashulia industrial zone is yet to calm down despite trade union leaders met with industry owners and assured the workers of meeting their logical demands.

The Ashulia industrial zone became restive again in the face of protests by workers, although factory owners met with local politicians, trade union leaders and law enforcers twice yesterday (6 September) and decided to open their factories from today (7 September).

According to sources at the industrial police, although the factories in Ashulia were opened on Saturday morning, the situation became confusing when some workers left their factories in Narsingpur area beside Abdullahpur-Baipail road.

However, till 10am this morning, no news of clashes or attacks were reported. The workers were returning home without working, while industrial police, Border Guard Bangladesh and army members were trying hard to control the situation.

According to BGMEA sources, activities of Ha-Meem Group were ongoing while factory of The New Age Group was closed. Although workers of Nassa group came to the factory, they soon left after punching their cards.

Besides, workers of Ananta Group and Al Muslim group are inside the factory but were not working, while some other factories including Pall Mall, Envoy and Windy in Zirabo and Bishmail areas were open.

Contacted, Senior Managing Director and Head of Human Resources of Bitopi Group ABM Sirajul Islam told TBS, "The situation in Ashulia is like the previous days. Many workers have been relieved, and workers at some factories including Nassa are shouting and making commotions."

When this correspondent called Superintendent of Industrial Police-1 Sarowar Alam, he disconnected the call saying that he was busy and requested to contact him later.

It could not be confirmed exactly how many factories were shut or had declared holiday.