RMG workers block Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway for an hour in protest of indefinite closure of factory

Some readymade garments (RMG) workers have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in protest over the closure of their factory for an indefinite period following previous unrest.

Earlier this morning (22 March), the authorities of Giant Knit Fashion Limited in Gazipur's Bason Police Station closed down their factory following workers' unrest for several days.

During the ongoing blockade, vehicular movement on the highway remained suspended for an hour, causing immense suffering to the commuters.

The traffic situation later became normal as members of police and army went to the spot and brought the situation under control.

"Workers of a factory blocked the highway. Some other factories in the area declared a holiday for today following the incident. Many of them restarted their production activities by bringing back their workers later. The situation is normal at present," said AKM Jahirul Islam, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2.    

According to sources, workers of Giant Fashion were observing work abstention on 20 March over not getting Eid bonuses and demanding an increase in Eid holidays.

They even beat up four officers of the management, following which the authorities closed down the factory for an indefinite period following Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 to ensure overall security and protect the assets and the staff of the factory, sources said.

Arriving at the factory in the morning, the workers found the closure notice. Getting angry, they started a protest by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway.

Police said the agitated workers allegedly beat up four staff of the management, which led the joint forces to detain four workers. They were later freed.

Finally, the factory authority closed down the factory today, police added.