At least 15 garment factories in the Kaliakoir area of Gazipur were declared a holiday on Tuesday as workers staged protests, blocking the Dhaka-Tangail highway.
The workers demonstrated to demand unpaid salaries and protest alleged assaults on colleagues.
According to sources, on Saturday, a dispute with factory authorities led to several workers being beaten over various demands. Although the issue was temporarily settled, the factory has remained closed since then.
On Tuesday morning, many workers gathered at factory gates, prompting authorities to announce a holiday in 15 factories, including Sadma Fashion Wear, Kokola, Montrims Ltd, and Libas.
In a separate protest, workers from Camio USA Knitwear Limited blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in the Basan area of Gazipur, demanding unpaid salaries and protesting alleged assaults on workers.
The workers claimed they were supposed to receive their salaries by the 10th of every month, but factory authorities frequently delayed payments. On Monday, all factory officials reportedly fled despite assurances of payment by 3pm, leading to growing frustration among workers.
Protesters alleged that during the demonstration, unidentified individuals attacked them with sticks, injuring several workers. In response, they took to the streets on Tuesday.
Inspector Mohammad Azad Mia of the Industrial Police, Kaliakoir Zone, said they were working to control the situation.
Helpline launched to monitor workers’ grievances
A toll-free helpline (16357) has been launched to address workers’ grievances and closely monitor the labour situation ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments introduced the helpline on Tuesday.
According to a press release, the helpline will handle complaints from both RMG and non-RMG sector workers to ensure their concerns are addressed in the lead-up to Eid-ul-Fitr.