Workers of Eurotex Knitwear Limited, a garment factory, blocked roads in Chashara, the central area of Narayanganj city, to protest against layoffs, withdraw cases, and demand the reopening of the factory.
The demonstration lasted from 12 PM to 2 PM on Monday, during which traffic movement was completely halted for about two hours. This caused severe congestion on surrounding roads, leaving residents and commuters stranded.
According to the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), Eurotex Knitwear Limited, owned by Shahidul Islam and located in Fatullah's Lamapara area, employs approximately 4,500 workers. Since October 10, workers have been protesting with various demands. Although some issues were resolved through DIFE mediation, dissatisfaction arose on February 10 over salary payments in the screen-printing section.
Factory authorities alleged that on that day, 27 screen-printing workers assaulted other employees and caused vandalism. As a result, they were temporarily suspended and issued show-cause notices. Additionally, the factory manager, Sajedul Islam, filed a vandalism case against these 27 workers at Fatullah Model Police Station.
On February 16, workers halted all production and protested in the factory premises, demanding the withdrawal of the case and reinstatement of the 27 suspended workers. In response, the management declared a layoff under labor laws. This led to today's road blockade by angry workers, who are demanding an end to layoffs, withdrawal of cases, and the reopening of the factory.
The protesting workers claimed they were staging peaceful demonstrations, and external elements caused the vandalism. They accused the management of targeting workers with false accusations and demanded immediate action to meet their demands.
Mithu Chandra Das, a sewing operator at Eurotex, said, “A few days ago, there was a protest. Following that, cases were filed against workers, and now the police are harassing them by visiting their homes. Hired goons are also being used to intimidate us. We demand an end to these false cases and harassment.”
President of Narayanganj District Garments and Sweater Workers' Trade Union Center, MA Shaheen, stated, “The workers of Eurotex Knitwear Limited are not allowed to communicate with management about their grievances. If they do, they face termination. Around 200 workers have not yet received last month's wages. Additionally, 27 workers are being harassed with police cases and threats from local thugs. The factory was suddenly shut down, forcing workers to protest on the streets. Their demands include reopening the factory, withdrawing false cases, and ending the harassment.”
Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), Mohammad Nasir Ahmed, said, “The factory authorities filed a case regarding the vandalism at Eurotex. Workers are now protesting, demanding the withdrawal of that case, which caused severe traffic jams. Later, we convinced them to leave the streets.”
Rajib Chandra Ghosh, Deputy Inspector General of DIFE in Narayanganj, said, “Since August 5, workers at Eurotex Knitwear Limited have repeatedly caused disturbances. Due to this, the management filed a case, and now the workers are protesting, demanding its withdrawal.”
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