Political turf war throws industries into chaos, disrupts production

Following the fall of the Awami League government, a vested group is attempting to destabilise various industrial areas in the country by using workers to control and dominate factory-centered businesses.

This unrest is disrupting production and discipline, raising concerns among garment industry owners and labour leaders about the potential impact on the country's export-oriented garment sector.

In response to ongoing labor agitation, several garment factories in Savar and Ashulia have been forced to shut down. The unrest has spread to Narsingdi and Narayanganj, with workers blocking the Palashbari area of the Nabinagar-Chandra highway on Sunday, demanding the reopening of closed factories.

On Monday, workers in Gazipur went out on demonstrations blocking highways, demanding job security, payment of arrears, and the recruitment of male workers. The demonstrations took place in Chandana Chowrasta, Bhogra, Naozor, Konabari, Bordbazar, and Tongi.

Workers in Gazipur allege that garment factories are prioritising the hiring of women, leaving male workers unemployed. In response, unemployed men took to the streets, demanding equal employment opportunities.

Ashraful Islam, officer-in-charge of Gachha Police Station in Gazipur, reported that workers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway with various demands. Discussions are ongoing to resolve the situation.

In Tongi, workers of Bata Shoe Company blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, demanding permanent employment. Meanwhile, male garment workers in Gazipur's Chandana Chowrasta and Bhogra Bypass areas also blocked highways with similar demands.

In another incident, workers of British American Tobacco Bangladesh continued their protests with a 10-point demand. They blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra highway in the Mozarmail area on Monday morning, causing significant traffic jams and passenger discomfort.

A factory worker, speaking anonymously, revealed that various political factions are vying for influence in the area, using workers to assert their dominance following the change in government. 

This has become a common practice in the country, where local people control businesses in factory areas, such as trading industrial wastes, food, and other supplies, he said.

The worker suggested that the recent political change has prompted those previously sidelined to assert their status by misleading workers into protesting. He urged the government to take swift action to address the situation, as the garment industry is a critical contributor to the country's economy. 

He emphasised the need to resolve any legitimate claims and take action against those exploiting the situation.

Labour leader Sirajul Islam Rony expressed skepticism about the current protests, stating that they do not appear to be genuine labour movements as the workers right now have no significant demand. He called for negotiations to resolve any legitimate demands and urged law enforcement to act quickly to prevent further unrest.

SP Mohammad Sarwar Alam of Ashulia Industrial Police-1 reported that workers from several factories, including Snowtex, Starling Group, NASSA Apparels, and Acme Agrovet and Consumers Ltd, are involved in the demonstrations. 

Gazipur Industrial Police Additional Superintendent of Police Imran Ahmed said efforts are being made to persuade workers to clear the highways.

Najma Akhter, labour leader and president of the Samilita Garments Sramik Federation, acknowledged that workers have legitimate demands but expressed concerns about the unclear nature of the current protests. 

She urged the government to investigate whether local politicians are manipulating workers for personal gain and to ensure the stability of the sector.

Given the current volatile situation, many are attempting to take advantage, she said adding that the government must ensure that our sector is not destroyed, workers are not left unemployed, and the truth is brought to light so the situation can be effectively addressed and resolved.

Abdullahil Rakib, Managing Director of Team Group and Vice-President of BGMEA, told Jago News that the current workers' unrest is essentially a power struggle between the Awami League and BNP. He explained that one group is attempting to take over the business of industrial waste, while the Awami League is staging a show of strength to assert their presence. "There are no genuine demands from ordinary workers here," Rakib said. 

He mentioned that in some cases, agitators have complained about an imbalance in the employment of male and female workers, not realising that men typically cannot perform the same tailoring tasks as women.

Rakib observed that two distinct groups are involved in the unrest: one comprising workers from closed factories and another that is politically motivated. He noted that some individuals, who appear to be part of juvenile gangs, arrived at his factory wearing helmets, lungis, and undershirts, likely at the behest of local leaders aiming to assert influence.

The businessman also revealed that they had been warned by an agency about potential threats to the factories, and those warnings are now materialising. 

He emphasised the need to identify who is funding and influencing the movement. 

"Everyone must work together to address this situation," Rakib urged, adding that they are coordinating with the army and calling on the government to take swift action. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant to prevent the political exploitation of workers and to maintain a stable environment for the sake of the country and the economy.