80 factories in Ashulia closed amid protests

At least 80 factories in Ashulia, located from Baipail to Zirabo, remained closed on Monday amid the workers’ ongoing protests. 

Md Sarwar Alam, superintendent of Industrial Police-1, confirmed the matter to the Business Eye. 
However, factories in other areas of Ashulia remained operational until 11am. 

The industrial police, army, RAB, BGB, and other law enforcement agencies are maintaining a strong presence to ensure security in the area.

BGMEA sources said they have information on factories of 68 groups/companies remaining closed in the region, including Ananta, Sharmin, Hamim, and Sterling Group on the “leave with pay” policy. 

Workers from another 13 factories that remained open have left without working on Monday.
Moreover, workers of at least eight factories caused distress inside the factory premises. These factories are Mandal Knitwear, Natural Denim, Knit Composite, Radiance Jeans, Radiance Fashion, Garments Export Village, Bravo Apparels Limited, and Prince Jacquard Sweater Limited.

Workers said the owners on Sunday night announced a general holiday for today and put up notices in front of the factories. 
Some factories put up notices this morning. Workers went to the factories in the morning, found the closure notices, and returned home.

“Most of the factories in this region are closed today. A few factories are open, but this number is very negligible. All the big factories, including Hamim and Sharmin, are closed,” said Khairul Mamun Mintu, the legal secretary of Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre (GWTUC). 
He also mentioned that workers attempted to block the road this morning in the Shimultala area, but members of the joint forces persuaded the workers to go home. 

No untoward incidents have been reported yesterday.
Industry sources said they have received closure notices from many factories. Hamim, Sharmin, and Deco had already announced they would be closed. 

Earlier yesterday, at least 30 readymade garment factories in Ashulia suspended operations as workers continued to protest and press various demands.

Prior to that, at least 17 RMG factories in the Ashulia industrial zone declared a holiday on Saturday amid protests by the workers.

RMG workers’ protests erupted on 29 August when they began demanding various changes from the garment factory owners, including the recruitment of an equal number of men and women, increased salaries and other benefits, and reduced workloads.