Most factories in Ashulia operational; 27 still closed

Most garment factories in the Ashulia industrial area of Dhaka have resumed operations this week following the end of worker protests. 

The majority of factories are now functioning normally, with workers returning to their jobs peacefully.

However, a few factories are experiencing disruptions, as some workers have returned but are refusing to work until their demands are addressed by the management. There have been no new factory closures reported this week.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), of its 2,144 member RMG factories across the country, 2,114 were operational as of Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, 30 factories suspended production during the day, and three were closed due to internal issues.

In the Ashulia-Savar area, 27 factories suspended operations due to ongoing worker unrest. Among these, 16 factories implemented a 'no work, no pay' policy under Section 13(1) of the Labour Act, while 11 others closed with pay despite workers' refusal to continue production.

"Twenty factories have been closed under Section 13(1) of the Labour Act since last week, and five have announced general holidays," said Superintendent of Industrial Police-1 Sarwar Alam. 

"Overall, the situation in the industrial sector is returning to normal. Law enforcement officers are stationed outside various factories, and joint force patrols continue."

He added, "Workers from the closed factories are protesting outside, demanding their reopening. We are negotiating with BGMEA and factory owners to facilitate the reopening of these facilities."

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment Workers Trade Union Centre, said, "Unrest could resume if all factories are not reopened. A worker from Mascot Garments Ltd died during clashes on Tuesday." 

"Closing factories is not a solution; owners should address worker grievances to resolve the issue," he added.

BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said, "We have always valued workers' humanity and hope they will cooperate. A government committee has been formed to address the crisis, and we are hopeful their legitimate demands will be met." 

"However, if workers do not return, the industry may suffer, potentially losing work orders to competitors, which would impact everyone."

"The situation would be controlled soon with the involvement of the army, which has been granted magistracy powers. We believe the industry will recover its previous standing within the week," said BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel.