Laid-off workers protest in Cumilla EPZ demanding dues from Nassa Group

Hundreds of terminated workers staged a demonstration today (30 November) in the Cumilla Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) demanding pending payments from Nassa Group.

Workers gathered in front of Gates 1 and 2 of the EPZ, causing temporary disruption to traffic movement in the area.

Workers said two of the five factories under Nassa Group have remained closed for the past three months, while the remaining three have laid off thousands of workers in phases.

However, the terminated workers have yet to receive any of their dues, including service charges, earned leave, provident fund and other entitlements.

Nassa Group's Executive Director, Major Abdul Hafiz, said that although wages and allowances were scheduled to be paid today, the company is currently facing significant challenges, and efforts are underway to resolve the issues.

The workers in the demonstration alleged that the company initially promised to clear all dues by today (30 November), but is now saying it will pay only 25%, creating uncertainty about the remaining 75%.

Many also claimed there had been major irregularities in calculating service charges and that although cheques for provident fund payments were issued, banks are not releasing the money.

General Manager of Cumilla EPZ, Abdullah Al Mahbub, said, "They have been holding discussions with both workers and management since morning and are trying their best to reach a resolution.

He added that, after speaking with the owners, about 25% of the dues were deposited into workers' accounts this afternoon, and the remaining 75% will be paid by selling the company's assets through court procedures.

"We have explained the entire process to the workers," he said.