Workers from three garment factories in Savar, staged a walkout and protest on Saturday, demanding fair compensation and treatment for a fellow worker injured by a factory vehicle, as well as the dismissal of certain staff members.
The protests took place at New Fashion Limited, a factory under Vertex Group, and at The Civil Engineers Oven Limited and The Civil Engineers Wash Limited, part of Standard Group, located in Savar's Bharari area of Tetuljhara union. Workers halted production, demanding that Vertex Group take responsibility for the injured worker, Aduri Khanam, provide adequate compensation, and ensure her medical expenses are fully covered.
According to workers and police sources, Aduri was struck by a factory lorry in front of New Fashion Limited's main gate. She was subsequently transported in a pickup truck to Savar's Enam Medical College Hospital.
Workers protested when the factory management failed to promptly address her medical needs, calling for the company to take responsibility and provide full support for her recovery. As the protests continued through the afternoon, the factory management announced a temporary shutdown to address workers' concerns. Workers also demanded the end of mandatory overtime and changes to holiday policies.
Meanwhile, workers at Standard Group’s Civil Engineers factories in Hemayetpur protested over the need for staff dismissals, which they want to be publicly confirmed by the factory owners. A company representative noted that previous demands were addressed through dialogue, and several staff members were indeed dismissed. However, workers insisted that these dismissals be confirmed directly by the factory owner.
Savar Model Police Station officer-in-charge Md. Jewel Mia confirmed that on Thursday evening, Aduri Khanam, 28, suffered a severe leg injury after being struck by a container lorry inside New Fashion Limited.
Following a complaint filed on Friday, police arrested the lorry driver, Md. Sabuj Haldar, 33, who was sent to court on Saturday.
