Garment workers in the Ashulia industrial zone near Savar are observing a work stoppage to press their demand for a 15% annual increment in wages.
In response, authorities have declared general holidays in at least 12 factories and announced the indefinite closure of two units.
The closures, including those at factories under prominent groups like Ha-Meem, Sharmin, Medlar, Next Collection, Al-Muslim, and Setara, were gradually implemented starting from 9 am on Wednesday, 11 December.
Workers from factories such as Nasa and Trouser Line faced indefinite shutdowns under Section 13(1) of the Labour Law.
Meanwhile, Bando Design factory also announced a general holiday.
Labourers from Ha-Meem and Knit Asia have already vacated their premises, while others from New Age, Deco, Al-Muslim, and Ethical factories continue their sit-ins inside their respective units.
The Industrial Police confirmed that workers are neither engaging in disorderly conduct nor creating disruptions, but dissatisfaction with the recent wage increment persists.
Workers have halted production, with some leaving the factories altogether.
Speaking to workers, it emerged that many have long been advocating for a 15% increase in annual salaries and benefits, alongside the regularisation of accumulated leave payments on a monthly basis. Additionally, they are demanding a minimum monthly wage of ₹25,000.
President of the Revolutionary Garments Workers Federation, Arvind Bepari Bindu, remarked that the government recently raised the increment rate from 4% to 9%, effective from the beginning of the year.
He urged workers to maintain operations and not fall into traps laid by third parties, stressing the importance of sustaining economic productivity and the nation’s industrial viability.
He added that any consequences of falling for provocations would rest solely on the workers themselves.
He appealed to workers to resume their duties for the betterment of the industry, the survival of the workforce, and the country’s economic prosperity.
Superintendent of Police for Ashulia Industrial Zone-1, Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, stated that authorities announced holidays for at least 12 factories as workers remained inside, observing sit-ins.
He noted that workers are dissatisfied with the increment, leading to the halt in work, but emphasised that no acts of anarchy or disorder have been reported.
Additional factory closures were reported following Tuesday’s demonstrations, with production suspended in at least 10 factories in Ashulia.
However, precise numbers of currently closed units remain unavailable.
