Photo: Messenger
In the industrial area of Ashulia, Dhaka, facing labor unrest and instability, at least 45 garment factories have been shut down for an indefinite period, while 44 others have declared a general holiday. Production continues in the remaining factories.
This information was confirmed by Md. Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, at around 4 PM on Wednesday (September 11).
It has been learned that the Ashulia industrial zone has experienced an increase in worker unrest and instability over the past two weeks due to demands from workers. As a result, 22 garment factories in Ashulia were shut down earlier this morning under Section 13(1) of the 2006 Labor Act. By noon, the number had risen to 45. Additionally, 22 factories declared a general holiday due to worker unrest. Later, when the situation in other factories became unstable, the authorities were forced to declare a general holiday in 22 more factories.
Among the factories closed under Section 13(1) of the 2006 Labor Act are: Ananta, Medlar, Sharmin Group, Deco, S-21, Mondol Knitwear Ltd., Mango Tex, AR Jeans, Envoy, Sterling Group, Vintex, Yagi Bangladesh, Crosswear Industries Ltd., Aronima, Debonair, The Rose, Generation Next, Sinsin, Desan Sweater, That’s It Sportswear Ltd. (part of Ha-Meem Group), Apparel Gallery Ltd., Rifat Garments Ltd., Express Washing and Dyeing Ltd., Artistic Design Ltd., Next Collection Ltd., Sigma Fashion, and several other garment factories. Meanwhile, 44 other factories have announced a general holiday.
A closure notice from one of Ha-Meem Group’s factories states: "To inform all officers, employees, and workers of That’s It Sportswear Ltd., Apparel Gallery Ltd., Rifat Garments Ltd., Express Washing and Dyeing Ltd., Artistic Design Ltd., and Next Collection Ltd., it is hereby announced that in light of the current violence and instability in the Ashulia industrial area, and for the overall safety of the workers, officers, and employees, the factory will remain closed indefinitely from September 11, 2024, under Section 13(1) of the 2006 Labor Act. Once the regional environment is safe, a notice will be issued regarding the reopening of the factory, ensuring a secure working environment and safety for workers, officers, and employees. The security division of the factory will remain outside the scope of this notice."
According to the industrial police, despite discussions between owners and workers, no consensus was reached on the workers’ demands. As a result, the factories were shut down indefinitely today under Section 13(1). By 10 AM, 22 factories had been shut down indefinitely, and another 23 followed after noon. On the other hand, 8 factories had declared a general holiday by 10 AM, but that number increased to 44 by now. 22 factories declared a general holiday before noon, while another 22 were forced to declare one later in the day.
Md. Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, told The Daily Messenger: "By noon today, 45 garment factories had been shut down indefinitely under Section 13(1). Additionally, 44 factories have declared a general holiday. We are monitoring the law-and-order situation. So far, there has been no external unrest, and no untoward incidents have occurred. Joint forces are working to keep the situation under control."
Messenger/Noman/Shahed
