Dismissed Sharmin Group workers block Ashulia road for 4.5 hours
Police used water canon to disperse the workers around 2:30 pm
Around 450 workers dismissed from Sharmin Group blocked the Bypail-Abdullahpur road in front of its factory in Ashulia for around 4.5 hours today (13 January), protesting against their dismissal.
The protesting workers gathered at the factory's Narsinghpur area at 10am, halting traffic on the road.
Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of Industrial Police-1, told The Business Standard that police urged the workers to vacate the road but they did not comply with the request. Subsequently, the law enforcers used water canon to disperse them around 2:30 pm.
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He added that traffic on the road has since returned to normal.
"Discussions involving all parties, including BGMEA, are ongoing to resolve the issue, and a decision is expected soon," he added.
Meanwhile, an additional superintendent from Industrial Police-1 said the unrest at the Sharmin Group factory stemmed from a celebratory feast for the wedding of the Ha-Meem Group's owner's son. The incident caused chaos within the factory. Subsequently, the management issued show-cause notices under Section 23 of the Labour Act.
He said around 430 workers were dismissed due to proven misconduct after an investigation by the factory authorities.
The officer further mentioned that the dismissed workers are demanding termination under Section 26 of the Labour Act, which ensures benefits, and they have blocked the road since morning to press home their demands.
He said negotiations are underway between all parties at BGMEA, and the issue is expected to be resolved soon.
Khayrul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers' Trade Union Centre, said the unrest stemmed as some workers, particularly those from the Sharmin Group, alleged that Ha-Meem workers were treated well during the celebratory feast, but the hospitality extended to them was subpar.
This led to unrest within the factory, and reports of vandalism surfaced, and the workers ceased operations in protest, he added.
"Workers terminated under Section 26 are entitled to all benefits, unlike Section 23, where dismissal follows proven misconduct," said Khairul.
