Savar RMG workers protest for unpaid wages, factory reopening

Workers of two ready-made garment (RMG) factories in Savar staged demonstrations today (22 February), blocking two regional roads – one group demanding unpaid wages and the other calling for their factory's reopening.

The protests took place at Bashundhara Garments Ltd in Hemayetpur and Ssain Apparels Ltd in Ashulia's Kathgora area.

At Hemayetpur, workers of Bashundhara Garments blocked the Hemayetpur-Singair Road from 9am, protesting the non-payment of their January salaries.

A worker, requesting anonymity, said, "The factory was supposed to pay our wages on Thursday, but instead, they put up a notice stating that operations will remain suspended until 26 February due to general holidays."

Speaking on the matter, Additional Superintendent of Industrial Police-1 Md Sufian said, "The workers left the streets after being assured that they will receive their wages on 3 March."

Meanwhile, workers of Ssain Apparels blocked the Bishmail-Zirabo Road, protesting the factory's sudden layoff announcement.

Jesmin, a worker at the factory, said, "The authorities had initially declared a holiday until February 20. They paid our January salaries, but now they have announced a one-and-a-half-month layoff. Such a decision right before Eid has left us outraged."

Superintendent of Industrial Police-1 Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan said Ssain Apparels had been facing financial difficulties for some time.

"Although the unpaid wages issue was resolved, the layoff decision led to fresh protests. The workers left the streets after we assured them of a discussion with the factory authorities tomorrow [today]," he added.

Traffic movement on both roads returned to normal following police intervention.