22 garment factories in Ashulia shut indefinitely

The authorities have announced the indefinite closure of 22 garment factories in Savar’s Ashulia due to labor unrest. Additionally, general holidays have been declared for eight other factories. However, production continues in the remaining factories. 

Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Industrial Police-1, confirmed the closures of the factories to Jago News around 10:30am on Wednesday.

The 22 factories have been declared closed under Section 13(a) of the Labor Act, 2006. According to this section, workers will not receive any salary during the closure of the factories. 

The factories that have been closed include: Ananta, Medlar, Sharmin Group, Deco, S20 One, Mondal Knitwear Limited, Mango Tex, AR Jeans, Envoy, Styling Group, Vintex, Yagi Bangladesh, Cross Wear Industries Limited, Aronima, Debnier, Dima Rose, Generation Next, Cincin, Dessan Sweaters and Sigma Fashion. 

In addition, six factories of Ha-Meem Group - That's It Sports Wear Limited, Apparels Gallery Limited, Rifat Garments Limited, Express Washing and Dyeing Limited, Autistic Design Limited, and Next Collection Limited - have been declared closed indefinitely.

The factory closure notice from Ha-Meem Group stated that, due to the current violence and unstable situation in the industrial area of Ashulia, the factories have been closed indefinitely from September 11. This decision was made in accordance with Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006 to ensure the safety of workers, officials, and employees.

Workers said that they entered the factory in the morning, punched in, and then went home. However, the authorities announced the closure of most of the factories today. Workers have returned home after seeing the closure notice, but many are staying behind to monitor the situation.

According to the industrial police, the owners discussed various demands from the workers but could not reach a decision. Consequently, the authorities have announced the indefinite closure of these factories under Section 13(a) today. So far, there have been no reports of chaos or road blockades. The Army, RAB, BGB, District Police, and Industrial Police are in a strong position to control the situation.

Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police for Industrial Police-1, said that as of 10:30 am, around 22 factories have been closed indefinitely by the authorities. Additionally, general holidays have been declared for 8 other factories. We have received reports of strikes in some areas.