Akiz Food workers protest in Dhamrai with 9-point demand
Workers of Akiz Food and Beverage Limited took to the streets in Dhaka’s Dhamrai on Monday, demanding salary increases and weekly leave. The protest began around 6:30 am in front of the factory, located in the Barbaria area of Gangutia Union.
Before gathering at the factory gates, workers blocked the Manikganj-bound lane of the Dhaka-Aricha highway for about half an hour, starting at 6 am. The blockade caused a traffic jam stretching nearly two kilometers.
At the protest site, hundreds of workers could be seen chanting slogans like, "Our demands must be met" and "Wage discrimination is unacceptable." They voiced frustration over the company's failure to address their concerns, despite ongoing discussions.
According to the workers, those employed on a daily basis have repeatedly raised various issues with management. Although the company verbally assured them of action, no concrete steps have been taken. Three months ago, a salary increase was announced, but workers have yet to receive the promised higher wages. This delay has fueled the protest, with employees rallying behind a list of nine demands.
The workers' nine-point demands include: A monthly salary of Tk 15,000, an Eid bonus equivalent to half of the salary, equal daily duty for all workers, permanent employment based on performance
5. Company dividends for workers, compensation for night shifts, company responsibility for any worker injured on the job, improved security measures, and weekly leave for all departments.
One female worker, who has been employed at the factory for five years, shared her frustrations. “I earn only Tk 7,000, which isn’t enough to support my family. I’ve asked for a salary increase many times, but nothing has changed. There’s no regular duty schedule, and we don’t even get holidays. That’s why I’m protesting today.”
Another worker added, “We’ve presented our nine demands to the company. If they aren’t met, we’ll continue the protest.”
In response to the growing unrest, law enforcement, including Highway Police, APBN, Industrial Police, Ansar, and army personnel, were deployed outside the factory to maintain security. With the mediation of law enforcement, the workers and factory management held meetings to negotiate a resolution. Local BNP leaders and activists were also seen nearby during the protest.
Industrial Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Rezaul Karim confirmed the ongoing discussions. “The workers have made various demands, and these are being discussed with the authorities. The situation is calm and under control,” he said.
However, no official statement has been issued by the factory’s management regarding the protest or the workers' demands.
