Garment workers protest layoffs in Gazipur, demand factory reopening

Hundreds of workers from Ananta Casual Wear Limited staged a sit-in this morning in front of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) in Gazipur, demanding an end to layoffs and immediate reopening of the factory.

Earlier in the day, the factory declared a one-day closure, citing worker unrest.

The announcement came via a notice issued by the management, which said that all sections of the factory would remain shut today with pay, but operations would resume tomorrow.

"This is to inform all employees that all sections of this factory will remain closed today with pay. All employees of the mentioned sections are instructed to resume work and carry out their duties properly from tomorrow," read the notice, signed by a senior general manager.

Md Habil, inspector at the Gazipur Industrial Police, told The Daily Star that workers had refused to work and staged a sit-in inside the factory yesterday. In response, the factory declared today a holiday.

Despite the closure, protesting workers gathered outside the DIFE office this morning.

"We were suddenly removed from the factory. What are we supposed to do now? Where will we go?" said Selina, one of the demonstrators. "Other workers are living in fear of being laid off. Our demand is simple: no one should be terminated without notice," said Kabita, another protester.

Ziaul Kabir Khokon, president of the Garment Workers Trade Union Centre (Gazipur), said, "This factory has been terminating workers without prior notice. While dues have been cleared, the workers don't want payouts -- they want job security. That's why hundreds are protesting here today. I am present at the DIFE office with them."

"A meeting will be held among workers, factory owners, and officials to resolve the issue," he added.

When contacted, factory's manager Badr Uddin declined to comment, saying he was busy.