RMG workers stage protest blocking Nabinagar-Chandra road in Ashulia

Over a thousand workers from GAB Limited's garment factory staged a protest today (17 October), blocking the Nabinagar-Chandra road in Palashbari, Ashulia, Dhaka, demanding the removal of the factory's director and addressing several other grievances.

The workers gathered in front of the factory on the Nabinagar-Chandra road at about 10:00am, disrupting traffic and causing severe congestion in both directions.

At about 3:30pm, the factory's management and owners arrived at the scene and assured the workers that their demands would be discussed and addressed. Following this, the workers ended the blockade.

The protesting workers stated that they had submitted several demands to the factory management two months ago, including improving the quality of the food provided and increasing target-based incentives.

While some of their demands were met, most remained unresolved after a tripartite meeting involving the government, BGMEA, and worker representatives, the workers said.

They also accused the factory director, Taizul Islam, of embezzling benefits provided by the factory owners.

The workers demanded the immediate removal of Taizul Islam.

Anjan, a sewing operator at the factory, mentioned that although the management recently provided blankets, the workers did not receive them. He also claimed that Taizul embezzled money allocated for a company picnic. "That's why we want his immediate removal," he added.

Another worker, Md Shah Alam, said, "One of our main demands was an increase in incentives, but that hasn't been fulfilled. Since Taizul became director, our leave days were reduced from 10 to 7. Earlier, we were served beef in our meals, but now we only get khichuri and occasionally chicken."

He added, "We also demanded that workers shouldn't be required to work on Fridays or government holidays, and if they do, they should receive double attendance and a day off."

Shah Alam further mentioned, "We had 10 demands, none of which were fully implemented. Despite having qualified workers in the factory, people from outside are hired for higher positions. We have called for an end to this discrimination."

Another worker said, "Because of Director Taizul Islam, we are being deprived of the benefits provided by the factory owners."

The workers added that they had been protesting inside the factory for several days over their demands.

However, the factory was suddenly found closed on Wednesday without any prior notice. Although it reopened on Thursday, no management staff was present, the workers claimed.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ashulia Police Station, Abu Bakar Siddique, told The Business Standard, "The factory workers had been protesting by blocking the road since morning, demanding the removal of a factory official. Later, the owners and management arrived in the afternoon and assured the workers that their demands would be addressed. The workers then withdrew the blockade at about 3:30pm, and traffic gradually returned to normal."

However, no comments were available from any factory officials regarding the workers' allegations or the overall situation.