Protesters block Dhaka-Sylhet highway demanding reopening, renaming of Ashuganj fertiliser factory
The protesters demanded the restoration of its former name, Zia Fertiliser Company
Workers and local political leaders held a human chain and protest rally in Brahmanbaria today (31 August) demanding the resumption of gas supply and modernisation of the Ashuganj Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited, which has remained closed for 16 months.
The protesters also demanded the restoration of its former name, Zia Fertiliser Company.
The programme was held around 9:30am on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in the Ashuganj Roundabout area, organised by the factory's Workers-Employees Union.
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Leaders of the Ashuganj upazila units of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) also joined the programme in solidarity with the demands.
The human chain was chaired by Bazlur Rashid, president of the factory's Workers-Employees Union.
The factory's Deputy General Manager (Administration) Tajul Islam Bhuiyan, Ashuganj upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Nawab Ali Munshi, upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shahjahan Bhuiyan, NCP leader Joyonti Biswas, Workers-Employees Union General Secretary Md Abu Kawsar and Organisational Secretary Tanvir Rahman, among others, addressed the programme.
Speakers alleged that since 2010, a vested interest group involved in fertiliser imports has worked to keep domestic fertiliser factories closed.
They said prolonged shutdowns had caused severe mechanical and financial damage to fertiliser factories.
The speakers said production at the factory has remained suspended since 1 March last year, negatively affecting the local economy and employment.
They urged the government to urgently restore gas supply and modernise the factory to resume production. They also demanded that the factory's former name, Zia Fertiliser Company, be restored.
Following the human chain, protesters held a procession on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway.
