Most of the readymade garment factories (RMG) in Gazipur resumed their operations on Saturday amid intensified security measures while owners of at least 17 factories in Ashulia industrial zone were forced to declare holiday amid workers’ protests.
Md Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Industrial Police Unit-1, in Ashuli, however, said, "Owners of at least 17 factories have declared holiday in their factories as the workers did not join their duty and the managements also did not come to the factories."
He, however, claimed that the situation has improved compared to the previous days.
"Sharmin Group declared a holiday in the morning, workers of Nassa Group did not work due to the absence of management, and workers of Ananta Group have refrained from work, presenting various demands. We're trying to calm the situation by talking to everyone," he added.
Sarwar also said workers try to bring their fellow workers from other factories out when they leave one factory.
"As a result, some factories are declaring holidays even without having any issues," he said.
Meanwhile, labour leaders believe they do not have much representation in the talks that are taking place between BGMEA and stakeholders.
"This is the reason why the problem has persisted. Labour leaders have little control over the ongoing unrest too," labour leaders said.
When asked about the issue, Khairul Mamun Mintu, the legal affairs secretary of Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers' Trade Union Centre (GWTUC), told TBS, "Representation of labour leaders in the talks has to be increased, as regional leaders often convey the demands made by workers to the authorities."
However, Mintu acknowledged that many workers think they don't need any trade union leaders.
"Still, the importance of labour leaders' involvement in discussions is huge," Mintu added.
Security tightened in Gazipur; all industries remain open
UNB, Gazipur reports; Security measures have been heightened in Gazipur and all industries, including garment factories, have been reopened.
Workers started entering the factories in groups on Saturday morning, with employees and officials also reporting for duty.
Industrial police were deployed in factory areas, and the army is patrolling to maintain order.
Many factories in Gazipur had declared holidays due to worker unrest, protests, road blockades, and vandalism for several days.
However, following a decision by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and assurances of necessary security from the government, factory owners decided to keep all factories open.
Workers claimed that except for a few factories, genuine workers are not involved in any significant movement at this time. In most cases, outsiders are creating the problems, they said.
Workers expressed their desire to work in a peaceful environment.
Factory owners stated that law enforcement agencies need to take a strict stance to prevent conspirators from launching attacks, vandalizing, or creating chaos that could harm the industrial sector.
Additional Superintendent of Police of Gazipur Industrial Zone-2 Imran Ahmed confirmed that all factories are open.
Approximately 900 industrial police officers were deployed for the security of factory areas, and the army is patrolling, he said.
Factories in Tongi, Board Bazar, Bhogra, Laxmipura, Konabari, Kashimpur, Kaliakoir, and other areas of Gazipur resumed operations.
