BAT Bangladesh warns of Kushtia plant shutdown if labour unrest persists

British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh has urged for an amicable solution to the ongoing labour unrest at its leaf processing plant in Kushtia and warned that, if unresolved, the situation may force them to halt operations at the plant permanently.

"If unresolved, the situation may force the company to halt operations entirely, resulting in revenue losses for both our business and the government—an outcome we must avoid," said a BAT Bangladesh press release. 

It further stated that the ongoing labour unrest has delayed the start of operations at the Kushtia plant, causing significant financial losses. "The disruption puts both the company's export commitments and local production at risk."

It also alleged that the protesting workers are now threatening other workers who are willing to return to work. 

The release further said that with a legacy of 115 years in Bangladesh, British American Tobacco remains committed to contributing to the economy of Bangladesh and the wellbeing of its employees. 

Earlier, in April, a group of seasonal workers in the Kushtia plant started protests to press for various demands, leading the plant to keep operations halted.

Before that, in March, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments of the labour ministry brought allegations of labour law violations against the Kushtia plant.

Though the company was granted time in several phases, the issues reportedly remained unresolved.

Amid the labour unrest at the Kushtia plant, Labour Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hossain warned BAT Bangladesh, saying, "Comply with the law, or cease operations and leave."

In the ten years following 2011, BAT Bangladesh's profits have risen by more than sevenfold.