Seasonal workers continue sit-in protest at Kushtia BAT factory for fifth day

Seasonal workers at the British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh leaf processing factory in Kushtia have continued their sit-in protest for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday (27 April), demanding the fulfilment of their 22-point list of grievances.

The factory has been shut down indefinitely due to the ongoing demonstration.

The 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.

The protest began at 6am on 23 April, with workers maintaining a constant presence at the factory's main entrance near Chourhash Mor.

Eyewitnesses report that the workers stay at the site around the clock, even taking their meals there. The workers have also held daily processions from Chourhash Mor to Kumargara and around the factory each afternoon. The intense heat and prolonged demonstration have reportedly led to several workers falling ill.

The workers have warned that BAT Bangladesh officials will be held entirely responsible for any incidents arising from the protest.

Among their 22 demands are the payment of due profits, the establishment of provident funds and gratuity, the issuance of formal appointment letters, and the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed employees.

The workers assert that these demands are legally sound, citing the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, which they claim has obligated the company to meet these conditions since 2012.

They further point to a government directive issued on 17 April, signed by Deputy Secretary Nilufa Yasmin of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which instructed the BAT's GLT Plant manager to address their demands within three working days, by 22 April.

However, the workers allege that BAT Bangladesh ignored this government order and attempted to resume operations on 24 April by hiring contract workers instead of the seasonal workforce.

This move was thwarted by the ongoing sit-in protest, resulting in the indefinite suspension of all factory activities. Although a small amount of tobacco is still being collected at depots, it cannot be delivered to the closed factory.

The factory shutdown is also having a significant impact on local tobacco farmers, who report not receiving payments for their delivered crops. These farmers have expressed concerns that the delay in processing due to the factory closure could damage their high-quality tobacco and have warned that they will not be held responsible for any resulting losses.

Md Farjun Islam, labour inspector, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, visited the site and expressed his support for the workers, stating that their demands are justified and backed by the government.

"We have spoken with BAT Bangladesh officials, but if they continue to refuse the workers' demands, our next step will be to file a lawsuit against them," he added.

Attempts to reach Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman for comment were unsuccessful.

In response to the situation, a BAT Bangladesh spokesperson said, "As a responsible company, BAT Bangladesh is committed to full compliance with the local laws and regulations.

"Some of the seasonal workers have raised certain demands to BAT Bangladesh. We have listened and looked into the legitimate demands of our employees to date. As a corporate entity that has been operating in the country for 115 years, we are committed to ensuring all employees receive the benefits they are entitled to under the country's legal framework."