Workers protest by blocking highway in Ashulia

Workers of a garment factory have blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra highway in the industrial area of Ashulia today (30 September), demanding unpaid dues.

The workers of Birds Group started their demonstration around 9:30am by taking position at two points on the highway, in the Baipail area and in front of Mirpur DOHS.

On 27 August, Birds Group issued a notice stating that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the global economic downturn had left the factory without work for an extended period.

Despite continuing operations at a financial loss, the management could not secure new work orders, which was beyond their control.

Consequently, on 28 August, the group announced the shutdown of all sections of RNR Fashions Ltd., Birds Garments Ltd., Birds Fedrex Ltd., and Birds A & Z Ltd.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union, told The Business Standard, "After Birds Group announced the closure of their factories, after a meeting was held at the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, involving BGMEA, workers, and all concerned parties. According to the meeting's decision, the workers were supposed to be paid all their legal dues today."

"However, as far as I know, the Birds authorities have informed that they will not be able to make those payments today, which led the workers to come out on the streets in protest," he added.

Abu Bakar Siddique, officer-in-charge of Ashulia police station, told The Business Standard, "The workers of Birds Group are blocking the road in protest. Law enforcement personnel are working to bring the situation under control."

According to industry sources, a total of 31 factories in Ashulia have suspended production activities today.

Of these, 12 factories have been shut down under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, while 19 other factories are either open but not operating, have workers on leave, or have halted production.

Factories that have been closed under Section 13(1) of the Labour Act include Tammam Fashion Ltd., Beq Knit Ltd., Beq Sweaters Ltd., Anjuman Design Ltd., Envoy Fashion Ltd., Newage Apparels, and Newage Garment.

The factories that are either on paid leave, have halted production, or where workers have left include Mondol Knitwear Ltd., Mangotex, Dukati Apparels Ltd., Inds Ltd., Skyline Garment Ltd., Skyline Apparels Ltd., Generation Next Ltd., Natural Denims, and Natural Indigo.

The source also mentioned that 2,678 factories in the Ashulia area (98.52%) have paid their wages for August, while four factories (1.48%) have not yet made the payment.

Additionally, the source reported that today, 407 garment factories are open in the Savar, Ashulia, and Zirani areas, while 876 factories are open in Gazipur, with only one factory closed.

In Narayanganj, 209 garment factories are open, 302 are operational in the DMP area, and 350 in Chattogram. There are no factory closures in these three regions.