10 injured as worker layoffs lead to attacks, vandalism at 2 factories in CEPZ
The two factories targeted during the attacks and vandalism were Excel Sure Shoes and JW Apparels, police say
At least 10 people were injured during attacks and vandalism at two factories in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone today (6 April), triggered by worker layoffs.
Seven of the injured are currently receiving treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, police said. The two factories targeted during the attacks and vandalism were Excel Sure Shoes and JW Apparels.
According to the police, around 40 workers at Excel Sure Shoes had been protesting since Saturday morning over layoffs. Today, when they arrived at the factory in the morning and found the main gate locked, they resumed their demonstration.
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However, the protest turned violent after the workers broke open the gate, entered the factory, attacked officials, and vandalised the premises, police said.
The injured individuals are Babul, 32, Abdul Hakim, 60, Biplob, 25, Syimul Islam, 23, Kamrul Hasan, 40, Shaquil, 35, and Mamunur Rashid, 32.
In a separate incident at around 12pm today, a dispute broke out at the JW Apparels factory over worker layoffs, which escalated into vandalism by the workers.
Police confirmed that three people were injured in the incident.
Talking to TBS, Jasim Uddin, additional superintendent of police for Chattogram Industrial Police, said the vandalism at both factories took place over the layoffs.
He added that upon receiving the information, city police, industrial police, and army personnel arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
Law enforcement has since cordoned off the two factories, and the situation is now stable, according to the ASP.
Meanwhile, RMG manufacturer Pride Group has declared a partial lay-off at two of its factories in the Ulail area of Savar, citing fuel shortages, financial strain, and a lack of work orders.
The lay-off, which will remain in effect until 30 April, affects operations at HR Textile Mills Ltd and Fashion Knit Garments Ltd, according to official notices issued by the company on Saturday.
However, several departments will remain operational during this period.
This decision was made public through two separate notices signed by Monirul Islam, general manager (administration and compliance) of the company, and displayed at the factory entrances.
Confirming the lay-off, Monirul Islam told TBS that the decision was mainly due to a fuel crisis, some financial difficulties, and a shortage of work orders.
According to the notices, production activities are scheduled to resume on 3 May, but if the crisis persists, the closure and lay-off period may be extended in accordance with the provisions of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.
All remaining wages and benefits for March 2025 will be paid on time and credited to employees' bank accounts, the notices adds.
