Ashulia stabilises after days of labour unrest, 16 factories still remain closed

After two weeks of labour unrest, the situation in Dhaka's Ashulia industrial area has largely returned to normal, with most garment factories reopening and workers resuming their duties.

However, some issues persist, with 16 factories still remaining closed, according to police and industry sources.

Police Superintendent Md Sarwar Alam of Industrial Police-1 stated that 13 factories have been closed under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, which enforces a "no work, no pay" policy.

Additionally, three other factories have declared general holidays.

Sources at the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reported that 14 factories remain closed, including nine under Section 13(1) and five others where operations have ceased or holidays have been declared.

An Industrial Police source, requesting anonymity, said that some of the closed factories are either unable to pay wages or lack available work.

Superintendent Sarwar Alam said, "We are working to resolve issues through discussions in areas where minor problems have arisen or workers have voiced demands. We have requested the owners of the closed factories and the BGMEA to reopen them quickly, as the workers are eager to work."

According to BGMEA sources, the factories closed under Section 13(1) in Ashulia include Radiance Fashion, Radiance Jeans, Comfort Composite Limited, Generation Next, and Anjuman Design Limited.

Meanwhile, five factories, including Medlar Apparels, Setara Group, Bando Design, The Rose Dresses Limited, and Susuka Knit Limited, have declared paid leave or seen their workers leave.

On condition of anonymity, the managing director of a factory that has been closed with paid leave for workers told The Business Standard, "Initially, our workers had no demands. Later, they requested increases in bonuses and tiffin allowances, which we agreed to, and they continued working.

"However, after a few days, they went on strike again, this time demanding a change in management. We complied and made some adjustments to the management team. The workers have since informed us that they will resume work from Sunday."

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Center, expressed concern over worker layoffs and the filing of cases related to the unrest.

He stated, "While the overall situation in the industrial area is gradually improving, some issues persist. We will request the owners to avoid unjust layoffs in any factory and ask law enforcement agencies not to harass innocent workers in cases filed due to the labour unrest. Additionally, we urge the owners to fulfil the promises made regarding workers' demands."

As of yesterday afternoon, no further incidents have been reported. Additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed in front of various factories to ensure security, and joint patrols are operating in the industrial area.