Protest for increment hike: Ashulia situation improves  

The unrest in Ashulia's industrial area, originating from ongoing protests by RMG workers over annual increment hikes, has improved somewhat on the first day of the week.

Production activities remained normal in most factories here.

However, despite the government's announcement of a 4% annual increment increase, workers in some apparel factories in Ashulia continued their strike, demanding a 15% increase instead.

According to BGMEA sources, production activities were suspended in 10 factories within the industrial area. Among these, workers at four factories either walked out or staged a strike despite reporting to work in the morning. Additionally, five factories were closed under the "no work, no pay" provision as per section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, while one factory remains closed with paid leave for workers.

An official from the Industrial Police told The Business Standard that there were some disturbances in 7/8 factories. However, following discussions, workers in half the factories resumed their duties.

Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, Superintendent of Police for Industrial Police-1, told TBS that the situation in Ashulia is calmer compared to recent days. "Work is ongoing in most factories, and we are actively engaging with all stakeholders to further stabilise the situation," he added.

Worker layoffs amid protest

Reports have emerged of worker layoffs in several factories amidst ongoing protests in the industrial area, where workers are demanding increment hikes. The Industrial Police and labour leaders have also confirmed the situation.

While the exact number of affected factories and workers remains unclear, Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan Superintendent of Industrial Police-1, told TBS that approximately 300 workers have been laid off across three factories. Among them, two factories implemented layoffs under Section 26(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, while one acted under Section 23(1).

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, confirmed receiving reports of layoffs in several factories earlier this morning amid the protests.

Commenting on the issue, Mintu stated, "Instead of fostering mutual understanding, employers are using layoffs as a means to suppress the movement. This approach is further straining employer-worker relations in the industry. We must move away from this destructive cycle."

Is their protest irrational?

In the current context, demands for increment hike are not unusual, particularly given rising inflation and soaring commodity prices, labour leaders said.

However, factory owners should have proactively addressed these concerns as the ongoing layoffs are damaging owners-workers' relationships, they added.

An officer of industrial police said, when approached, factory owners explained their position, saying, "If we continue to retain disruptive workers, it will be impossible to run the factory effectively."

"We repeatedly hold meetings with factory owners, labour leaders to foster better relationships between owners and workers. However, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that it seems irreparable," the police further said.  

 Five arrested over unrest 

Five people including three labour leaders were arrested amid workers' unrest and handed them over to Ashulia Police Station.

The arrested labour leaders are Md Sarowar Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Garment Workers Unity Federation, Md Mahbub Alam Bacchu, general secretary of the organisation, and Faridul Islam, organising secretary of the National Garment Workers Federation.

"The joint force handed over four people to us in the evening, including three labour leaders. However, we are not yet sure why they were detained. Once the joint force files a complaint or case, we can provide more details," Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Bakar Siddique told TBS.

Two workers were arrested over the vandalism of two ready-made garment factories, Gilden and Donglian, according to Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, Superintendent of Police for the Industrial Police.