RMG factories reopen in Ashulia after two weeks of unres

Readymade garments (RMG) factories in the Ashulia industrial belt reopened yesterday after remaining closed for over two weeks following a labour unrest. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Siddiqur Rahman said they were happy as the workers got back to work. Workers’ attendance in factories was at least 90 per cent, he added. Earlier, in keeping with the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman had announced that the closed factories would reopen on December 26.
The workers joined their work peacefully in the morning, factory sources said. The apparel hub witnessed labour unrest for several days, forcing the closure of about 59 factories. There were reports of sacking and cases being filed against many workers. The government deployed 15 BGB battalions to assist the law enforcement agencies in maintaining calm in the industrial beltt. Our JU correspondent saw police cordons around the apparel factories and a large number of security personnel, including those of RAB and BGB, deployed in the industrial area right from the morning.
 “Around 95 per cent garments workers have joined their respective workplaces. The area remains clam and quite,” said Shah Migan Shafiur Rahman, superintendent of police (SP) of Dhaka district.
 “Garments workers are our siblings. They play a vital role in the development of the garments sector. We must look after their well-being. We are always on their side,” he added.
 Asked about the cases filed in the past five days, the SP said, “In total, 10 cases have been filed against the conspirators. Of them, eight were filed by garments owners and two by the police. We have identified 148 suspects who were involved in spreading provocative propaganda among the workers. So far, 22 people have been arrested.”  Action will be taken to avoid any unpleasant situation, he added.  
Meanwhile, garments workers have again urged factory owners and the government to ensure regular payment of wages in the interest of the industry.
 Razib Ahmed, a factory supervisor, said, “We will be happy if apparel factory owners pay us on time. We, too, have families and children. The owners should hike our wages in the interest of their own companies.”  Earlier this month, someone had distributed anonymous leaflets among garments workers, announcing a hike in the minimum wage to Tk. 16,000. This caused unrest among the workers as stayed away from work for a week, demanding the so-called ‘hiked’ wages. They also blocked highways several times to press their demands. With mounting tension, the workers clashed with police during a demonstration and allegedly went on the rampage inside factories. As the unrest spread, workers of 25 factories stopped working on Dec 19.  Several ministers negotiated with workers’ organisations, but failed to find a solution.  Following such incidents, the BGMEA announced an indefinite closure of 55 factories on December 20.

 

RMG factories reopen in Ashulia after two weeks of unres

Readymade garments (RMG) factories in the Ashulia industrial belt reopened yesterday after remaining closed for over two weeks following a labour unrest. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Siddiqur Rahman said they were happy as the workers got back to work. Workers attendance in factories was at least 90 per cent, he added. Earlier, in keeping with the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman had announced that the closed factories would reopen on December 26. The workers joined their work peacefully in the morning, factory sources said. The apparel hub witnessed labour unrest for several days, forcing the closure of about 59 factories. There were reports of sacking and cases being filed against many workers. The government deployed 15 BGB battalions to assist the law enforcement agencies in maintaining calm in the industrial beltt. Our JU correspondent saw police cordons around the apparel factories and a large number of security personnel, including those of RAB and BGB, deployed in the industrial area right from the morning. Around 95 per cent garments workers have joined their respective workplaces. The area remains clam and quite, said Shah Migan Shafiur Rahman, superintendent of police (SP) of Dhaka district. Garments workers are our siblings. They play a vital role in the development of the garments sector. We must look after their well-being. We are always on their side, he added. Asked about the cases filed in the past five days, the SP said, In total, 10 cases have been filed against the conspirators. Of them, eight were filed by garments owners and two by the police. We have identified 148 suspects who were involved in spreading provocative propaganda among the workers. So far, 22 people have been arrested. Action will be taken to avoid any unpleasant situation, he added. Meanwhile, garments workers have again urged factory owners and the government to ensure regular payment of wages in the interest of the industry. Razib Ahmed, a factory supervisor, said, We will be happy if apparel factory owners pay us on time. We, too, have families and children. The owners should hike our wages in the interest of their own companies. Earlier this month, someone had distributed anonymous leaflets among garments workers, announcing a hike in the minimum wage to Tk. 16,000. This caused unrest among the workers as stayed away from work for a week, demanding the so-called hiked wages. They also blocked highways several times to press their demands. With mounting tension, the workers clashed with police during a demonstration and allegedly went on the rampage inside factories. As the unrest spread, workers of 25 factories stopped working on Dec 19. Several ministers negotiated with workers organisations, but failed to find a solution. Following such incidents, the BGMEA announced an indefinite closure of 55 factories on December 20.