29 eminent citizens express solidarity with Swan workers

Twenty-nine eminent citizens yesterday in a statement expressed solidarity with the workers of Swan Garments (Pvt) Ltd and Swan Jeans Ltd who have been demanding their wages and festival bonuses before Eid.

The citizens include Prof Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury, journalist Kamal Lohani, Convener of National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah, Language Movement veteran SD Ahmed, Dr Shafiuddin Ahmed, Prof MM Akash, AN Rasheda, Prof Ashrafuzzaman Selim and Prof Mohammad Abu Sayeed.

The workers have been demonstrating since July 12 for payment of their last three months' arrears (April-June) before this Eid but the factory authorities suspended operations on April 10 and the owner, a national of Hong Kong, fled the country three days later.