The authorities of at least 10 factories in Ashulia industrial zone announced general leave as workers went on strike to demand overdue salaries, a 15% annual wage increment and a minimum wage of Tk 25,000 on Monday.
Workers from several garment factories stopped working and staged demonstrations within the premises. They protested issues like wage arrears and annual increments not being implemented.
Factories declaring general leave include-- NASA Super Garments, NASA Basic Limited, AJ Super Garments, Al-Muslim Apparels, Trouser Line Limited, Sharmin Group, Deco Group, Preeti Group, and Chain Apparels, among others.
Failure to implement the 18-point agreement discussed in tripartite meetings. Workers' demands for higher night shift and meal allowances, as well as attendance bonuses.
Following the protests, management in several factories declared general leave to prevent further unrest. Police presence was strengthened to maintain order.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, Legal Secretary of Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers' Union, remarked that the demands stem from delays in implementing agreements made in tripartite negotiations. He urged authorities to resolve the issue of wage adjustments by December to prevent further unrest in January.
Superintendent of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, Md. Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, stated that leave was announced in several factories, including New Age, Al-Muslim, and NASA Group, after workers stopped work. More leave announcements followed in the afternoon.
