6 Gazipur factories closed for indefinite period

Six factories of Tusuka Group in Gazipur’s Konabari have been closed indefinitely following a worker-led strike.

The factories—Tusuka Jeans Ltd, Tusuka Trousers Ltd, Tusuka Processing Ltd, Tusuka Packaging Ltd, Tusuka Denim Ltd, and Tusuka Washing Ltd—were shut down after workers, joined by some unidentified outsiders, initiated a strike on Saturday with what the authorities described as “irrational” demands.

The authorities on Sunday morning (November 3), posted closure notices at the entrances, citing security concerns for workers, employees, and property. 

Tusuka Group claimed that while workers reported to duty, they soon left their workstations to protest outside the main gate. Despite repeated requests from the management and law enforcement to return to work, some protesters reportedly caused unrest.

Tusuka Group said that operations would remain suspended from 8:00am on November 3 until the situation stabilises and a conducive work environment is restored. 

The workers said they raised demands regarding attendance bonuses, night-shift pay, tiffin allowances, and other benefits. However, the decision to strike without proper negotiations with the management has stirred controversy.

Md Abu Taleb, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Konabari Zone, Gazipur Industrial Police-2, reported that the factory authorities had agreed to some of the workers’ demands, but the labourers were not fully satisfied with the resolutions.

Masum Hossain, General Manager of Tusuka Group, added that the closure decision followed information suggesting a planned attack on some factories, prompting the shutdown in line with the Labour Act.

Md Aminul Islam/MSU/NMA