Unrest over unpaid wages, 23 workers arrested in vandalism case

Following an unrest over unpaid wages among workers of two garments from Savar's Dilkhushabagh area, twenty-three workers have been arrested today (29 January)  in a case filed by the garment's authority, accusing them of vandalism and looting. 

The workers were arrested from the garments and adjacent areas near Savar this morning (29 January) based on a case filed last night by Assistant Manager (Administration) of Azim Group, Md Sohel Rana, confirmed Sub-Inspector Abul Kamal Ajad from Savar Model Thana. 

Talking to The Business Standard, Abul Kamal said, "Based on the case filed by the factory authorities, 23 named accused workers listed in the FIR were arrested and sent to court today."

The two garment factories, Global Fashion Garments Limited and Global Outerwear Limited, belong to Azim Group. 

Describing the case, this police officer said, "Workers were supposed to receive their wages on 22 January. The authority pays wages through mobile banking system. However, due to banking complications, the owners were unable to transfer wages to all workers. While workers from some floors received their wages, others did not."

"Which led to dissatisfaction among a section of workers," added Abul Kamal.

He also said, "The factory authorities then promised to pay the wages on 24 January and brought cash to the factory for the payment. However, early that morning, a group of agitated workers stopped work, launched a protest, and vandalised the factory. Despite the vandalism, the authorities eventually paid the remaining workers their wages that day."

The officer also stated that the workers' wages for the month of December was overdue.

The case alleged vandalism of factory property, looting of goods worth Tk90,93,730, and theft of Tk15 lakh in cash and damage amounting to Tk2.60 crore to the factory.

Despite several attempts, this correspondent failed to take statements from the workers of the factories regarding the incident.