Workers of Eurotex Knitwear blocked the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road in Fatullah today (19 February), protesting the abrupt layoff of 27 colleagues.
According to the workers, the layoff decision was made without any prior warning, and the authorities also filed cases against them. In protest, workers halted work, prompting an unprovoked attack by senior officials which left several workers injured.
Ajufer Begum, one of the affected workers, said, “They [factory authorities] are laying off workers without reason, and even the last month’s salary remains unpaid. When we stopped work, we were attacked, and I sustained serious injuries to my hand. We will continue our protest until our demands are met.”
The protest was supported by the District Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre and its President MA Shaheen condemned the actions of the factory owners.
He said, “The owners have filed cases against 27 workers, using the police to harass them and inciting local goons against the workers. Our demand is clear — withdraw the false cases and stop the police harassment.”
The protesting workers have called for an end to the layoffs and the withdrawal of the cases filed against them. They also demand an immediate halt to intimidation by local goons.
In response, Selim Badsha, the Inspector of the Industrial Police-4, confirmed that the workers had blocked the road as part of their protest against the layoffs and other demands. Efforts are underway to negotiate a solution to the issue.
Narayanganj’s Directorate of Factory and Establishment Inspection (Dife) official Rajib Chandra Ghosh said the RMG workers had caused disturbances at various times since 5 August, prompting the factory owners to take legal action. In recent talks, the owners confirmed that they would proceed with the legal process and lay off 95 workers under the Labour Law.
Earlier on 17 February, workers of the same factory blocked Chashara intersection in Narayanganj.
Although they had called off their protest after 2.5 hours getting assured of discussion, they again came to the streets today as no solution was found during the discussion.
