Ctg garment workers block road over factory sale, unpaid dues

Garment workers of Ityadi Garments in Chattogram's Hamjarbag blocked the Hamjarbag-Muradpur-Oxygen road today (19 August), fearing job losses over reports that the factory had been sold and demanding four months' wages and other dues under labour law.

The workers began demonstrating around 11am, disrupting traffic on the busy route and causing suffering to commuters. However, following negotiations with the factory owner, they removed the blockade around 4pm, bringing traffic in the area back to normal.

Bayezid Bostami Police Station OC Md Abdul Karim told The Business Standard that workers took to the streets fearing termination following reports of the sale. According to Karim, the owner later told the protesters that the factory would not be sold and operations would continue.

Workers alleged that salaries, bonuses and other benefits had remained unpaid for a long time. Many have worked at the factory for five to 20 years. They said pregnant workers had also not received payments for various benefits.

The workers said they had been protesting inside the factory for the past eight days but took to the streets after failing to reach a solution.

"Our only demand is that we be paid the 120 days' dues. If this money is paid, we will have no further demands. Whether the factory is sold or not, we will not work there anymore. We will leave after receiving our dues," a protesting worker said.

Another worker said the reported sale had been decided without informing them. "We work for money. If we do not get our money, how will we survive? We have families to support," the worker said.

Workers also alleged that the owner had repeatedly changed his position, at times saying the factory had been sold and at others saying he would continue operating it.

Photo: TBS

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner Sohel Parvez visited the scene and asked workers to form a 10-15-member delegation to discuss their demands with the owner and factory management. He said police would accompany the delegation if necessary.

He also urged them to end the blockade, saying discussions could not be held on the road and commuters were suffering.

The workers initially remained on the road, saying they would continue protesting until a specific decision was reached on payment of their dues. The blockade was later lifted following negotiations with the owner.

The factory owner or management could not be reached for comment immediately.