Family members join BAT's protesting seasonal workers on 7th day of sit-in protest in Kushtia
Highlights:
- Protests held in front of the main gate of the BAT Leaf Factory in Kushtia
- Factory shut since demos began on 23 April
- Workers allege BAT Bangladesh factory violated labour laws
- They demand payment of dues, formal appointment letters, gratuity, among others
Seasonal workers at the British American Tobacco's (BAT) Leaf Factory in Kushtia have entered the seventh day of their sit-in protest, demanding the fulfilment of their 22-point list of grievances.
Family members of the workers joined them in solidarity today (29 April) and formed a human chain in front of the main gate of the BAT Leaf Factory, located near Chourohas intersection in Kushtia.
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The factory has been shut down indefinitely due to the demonstration that began on 23 April.
Workers allege that the Kushtia Leaf Factory, a multinational tobacco processing plant under BAT Bangladesh, has violated government directives and Section 45 of the Labour Law, which addresses issues such as termination of employment, maternity leave, and workplace safety.
Among their 22 demands are the payment of dues, the establishment of provident funds and gratuity, the issuance of formal appointment letters, and the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed employees.
Representatives from the workers' families today submitted a memorandum to the chief advisor via the Kushtia Deputy Commissioner's office.
Yesterday afternoon, at the invitation of Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman, a meeting was held between the seasonal workers and senior BAT officials to resolve the issue. However, the meeting ended without any resolution.
The protesting workers today alleged that BAT officials continued to "misinterpret" the labour law at the meeting even in the presence of the deputy commissioner.
Officials from BAT Bangladesh were contacted for comment, but they either declined or said they would respond after consulting with the authorities.
Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur said despite efforts for a peaceful resolution, both sides remained adamant in their positions, and no solution could be reached.
