RMG workers of 3 factories demonstrate in Savar
Demand arrears, reopening of factory
Demanding arrears and reopening of the factory, workers of three RMG factories in Savar demonstrated yesterday.
In Savar's Bazar Bus Stand area, hundreds of workers of Azim Group blocked Dhaka-Aricha highway for an hour over last month's arrears. They blocked the highway's Dhaka-bound lane around 1:00pm, causing severe traffic congestion.
Workers withdrew their agitation following assurance from police, said AFM Sayeed, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station.
Many workers alleged that they were demonstrating peacefully in front of the factory when police tried to disperse them by using water cannon. So they blocked the highway to realise their demand.
This correspondent could not get in touch with the factory authorities, despite repeated attempts.
Saidur Rahman, additional superintendent of police (Dhaka district), said, “We have talked to the factory authorities; they said they will pay workers within two days.” He refuted the allegation of using water cannon.
Additional police have been deployed to avert any untoward incident, he added.
Meanwhile in Ashulia, around 1,500 workers of Yagi Bangladesh Garments Ltd demonstrated in front of the factory in Jamgora area, demanding arrears of holiday payment by this month.
Shohidul Islam, manager (admin) of the factory, said they had to shut the factory for the day. “We will pay the amount within this year.”
In Ashulia's Kathgora area, demanding reopening of the factory, around 500 workers of Omorfu Sweater Ltd gathered in the morning.
Aktarul Islam, a worker, alleged that on April 13, the authorities declared that the factory will be closed for an indefinite period as they demanded salary under the new wage structure.
The factory authorities could not be reached for comments.
Sana Shaminur Rahman, superintendent of Dhaka zone industrial police, said additional police have been deployed in both the Ashulia factory areas.