At least 74 factories remain shut as workers' unrest continues in Ashulia

At least 74 factories remained shut in the Ashulia industrial area as the workers' unrest is yet to be fully subdued, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

The overall situation in the area, however, has improved compared to the last few days.

"The situation today is much more calmer compared to before. Most factories opened this morning. Some factories have been closed since yesterday, and due to unsuccessful discussions between the factory owners and the workers inside, about 21 factories declared a holiday today," said Md Sarwar Alam, superintendent of Industrial Police-1. 

He said the situation on the streets around the factories remained calmer since the morning.

"The law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation and patrolling the industrial area," Sarwar added.

Although most factories in Ashulia opened this morning (10 September), at least 21 garment factories were forced to declare a holiday in the first three hours due to unresolved discussions between the owners and workers.

Moreover, 19 factories that announced holiday yesterday (9 September) did not open today.

Meanwhile, BGMEA sources said that till 12 noon they had information of 42 factories being closed today out of which 41 factories are in the Savar-Ashulia and Jirani area, and one in Gazipur.

These include, Mascot, Lusaka, Generation Next, Radiance Knitwear, Tex Town, Euphoria and other factories.

Besides, the workers of 11 garment factories left the factory without working even though the factory was open today.

On the other hand, the workers of at least 21 factories including Sharmeen Group, Mandal Knitwear, Crosswear Limited, Yagi, Garments Export Village, Prince Jacquard Limited, AR Jeans Producer Limited are said to be standing inside the factory and creating chaos with various demands.

"The workers came to the factory this morning but are yet to start work. The factory owners are present and are discussing the workers' demands with them," said a female worker of a factory of Sharmeen Group. 

She also said the workers did not cause any chaos in the factories. 

"The workers may start working shortly if things settle with the factory owners," she added.

Industry sources said the situation at the factories on both sides of the Baipail-Abdullahpur road remained calm.

The situation in the factories in Ashulia's Kathgora area, however, has deteriorated.

In several factories, workers have ceased work to meet various demands. The factory owners are discussing with the workers to resolve these issues, said the sources. 

This is the opposite of what's been happening over the past few days as the workers' discontent started from Baipail to Jirabo along the Baipail-Abdullahpur road. The situation in the factories located in the Kathgora areas mainly remained calm over the previous days. 

Apart from a few isolated incidents, no major news of worker unrest has yet been reported in this area.

Earlier yesterday, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) decided to open all garment factories today after a meeting with factory owners, trade union leaders, and law enforcement agencies.

Following the meeting, Ashiqur Rahman, a director of BGMEA, told TBS that all factories, including the 119 that were closed yesterday, would open today.

He also mentioned both parties agreed that new hiring would be based on qualifications and factory needs, irrespective of gender, after more than six hours of discussions.