Beximco workers block highway in Gazipur demanding factory reopening
On 17 November, Beximco Group laid off 30,000 workers from its 16 apparel factories, citing a lack of orders and banking support following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in August
Workers from various factories at Beximco Industrial Park staged a blockade on the Chandra-Nabinagar highway in Gazipur's Chakrabarti area today (21 December), demanding the reopening of their closed factories.
The protest began at 10am and continued until 1pm, causing disruption in traffic for around three hours.
Several vehicles on the highway were reportedly vandalised, adding to the difficulties faced by passengers.
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The protest prompted authorities to shut down all factories in the Chakrabarti and Zirani areas for the day.
Additionally, five to six nearby ready-made garment factories were closed as a precautionary measure, with a tense atmosphere persisting in the area at the time of filing this report.
Tensions have been high since 17 December when Beximco Industrial Park authorities announced a 45-day closure after paying November wages.
This decision has affected approximately 30,000 workers across 16 apparel factories in the park, with the company citing a lack of orders and banking support. The layoffs represent 75% of the park's workforce.
Since 18 December, workers have been demonstrating to demand the reopening of the factories. Yesterday's protest led to clashes between the workers and law enforcement.
Members of a joint force, including police and army personnel, attempted to disperse the protesters using tear gas and sound grenades, resulting in repeated chases and counter-chases.
Md Saiful Islam, officer-in-charge of GMP's Kashimpur Police Station, said, "The workers blocked the road and protested from ten o'clock to one o'clock, demanding the reopening of the closed factories. Police and army personnel tried to persuade them to leave the highway but were unsuccessful. Sound grenades were later used to remove the workers, and traffic resumed around 1:30pm."
Md Mizanur Rahman, police superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, added, "Around ten o'clock in the morning, the workers gathered and blocked the Chandra-Nabinagar road. Initially, we attempted to remove them through persuasion. However, when they tried to create disorder, they were dispersed. Traffic returned to normal shortly thereafter."
