TNZ Group worker's unrest: Govt to sell owner's assets to clear workers' dues   

The labour and employment ministry has initiated steps to settle the outstanding wages of workers from eight companies under the TNZ Group by selling the assets of the group's owner.

The move came in the face of fresh protests by the workers of TNZ Group at the Kakrail Mosque intersection in the capital today (20 May), demanding unpaid salaries and other dues. 

To resolve the crisis, the ministry sat with the representatives of TNZ Group workers and BGMEA officials.

A decision was taken during the meeting to sell the owners' assets to clear the workers' outstanding payments.

When contacted, A H M Shafiquzzaman, secretary of the ministry of Labour and Employment, said, "Work is going on to resolve the crisis by selling the properties of the TNZ group."

'March to Jamuna'

Around 3pm today, at least 500 workers from the group's Gazipur-based factories launched a fresh demonstration under the banner "March to Jamuna" to press for their wages. Blocked by police, they staged their protest at the Kakrail intersection.

At around 4:30pm, a delegation consisting of the representatives of the protesting workers, two leaders of National Citizen Party's (NCP) workers' wing, president of the Garment Workers' Solidarity Taslima Akhter, labour leader Shahidul Islam; and few others entered the State Guest House Jamuna. 

Taslima Akhter confirmed the matter to the TBS saying the labour ministry assured of paying the dues by 30 May. Protesters called off the demonstrations for now.

According to BGMEA sources, approximately Tk54 crore in wages and benefits remain unpaid, despite partial payments made ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Contacted, administrator of BGMEA Anwar Hossain told The Business Standard, "We are dealing with a very complex issue as the TNZ Group owners have fled the country. The workers are owed around Tk54 crore. Efforts are underway to sell the owner's house and washing plants to pay off the dues."

Workers of TNZ Group have been protesting in front of the Department of Labour (Shram Bhaban) since 11 May, demanding their full salaries, Eid bonuses, and other service benefits.

Nasima Akhter, a garment worker who served as an operator in one of the TNZ factories for four years, said she has not received her salary for the past three months.

Sources said each worker previously received Tk 9,100 as partial payment. The remaining wages were promised by April but are yet to be paid.