22 garment factories shut in Ashulia as workers' demands not met

At least 22 garment factories in the Ashulia industrial area were declared closed for an indefinite period today as their negotiations with the factory owners over various demands remain unresolved.

Md Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, confirmed the closures of the factories to this morning.

He said that the closures were implemented under Section 13(1) of the labour law, which allows for "no work, no pay" conditions.

Some workers have entered the factories but were seen sitting idle. However, no workers took their protest to the streets yet, he said.

Authorities fear that the situation could escalate if large groups of workers leave the factories.

In Ashulia's Palash Bari area, Pearl Garments, which had been closed for several days, reopened today, but workers since morning refused to resume work.

A heavy police and army presence was deployed in front of the factory gate, with workers gathered inside, reports our Savar correspondent from the spot.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, explained that under Section 13(1), workers will not be paid while the factories remain closed, which could further fuel their frustration.

Yesterday afternoon, several factories in the Jamgara, Narsinghpur, and Pukurpar areas were vandalised by angry workers. In response, factory owners decided to shut the factories today.