Workers’ leaders on Tuesday demanded reopening of apparel unit of Riazul Apparels Limited located in the city’s Mirpur area. They said if the owner is determined to stick to his decision on the relocation of the factory, workers’ due salaries and allowances have to be paid immediately as per labour law. They alleged that without issuing any notice, the owner of Riazul Apparels Limited on December 5 shut the apparel unit for shifting the factory to Gazipur. The demand and allegation were made at a protest rally organised by Garments Workers’ Trade Union Centre in front of the National Press Club. At the rally, workers’ leaders also voiced their concern over recent attack on garment workers and job termination. Besides, they demanded ensuring proper treatment for the injured workers and exemplary punishment to the attackers. General Secretary of Garments Workers’ Trade Union Centre Kazi Ruhul Amin, Joint General Secretary Joly Talukder, Organising Secretary KM Minto, International Affairs Secretary Monzur Moin and other union leaders took part in the protest rally. In his speech, Kazi Ruhul Amin said garment workers are always deprived of their due wages and they are often tortured by the factory owners. He also demanded a total minimum salary of Tk 16,000 with Tk 10,000 as basic for the garment workers. Later, they brought out a procession from the press club area which ended at Dainik Bangla crossing.
