Savar (Dhaka) Correspondent

Labour unrest in Ashulia’s industrial area has led authorities to declare a general holiday in around 25 ready-made garment factories.

The workers are calling for a 15 percent increase in their annual wages and allowances, along with six additional demands.

The factories in Norsinghpur and nearby locations declared the holiday on Wednesday, according to Md Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of police of Industrial Police-1.
Workers in the industrial area have been on strike for several days, pressing for a wage hike, payment of overdue leave allowances, and several other demands.

On Monday, the Ministry of Labour and Employment decided to increase the annual wage by 9 percent, up from the previous 5 percent, following a tripartite meeting between the government, factory owners, and worker representatives.

Labour Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain said the wage increase would take effect in December, with workers set to receive it in January.
He added that along with the raise, the workers would receive additional benefits in accordance with the latest amendments to the labour law.

However, many workers have rejected this decision, continuing their protests in Ashulia.

The workers' six additional demands are:

• Pay the accrued leave money for 2024 by December and provide leave pay from the date of joining.

• Offer an attendance bonus for three days of leave and do not deduct any attendance bonus for medical leave.

• Grant a 100 percent grade.

• Do not assign any "general duty" during Ramadan.

• If workers are required to work more than eight hours during Ramadan, provide 120 taka for Iftar.

• No worker involved in the protest should be laid off or given a finger block or cross mark if they leave voluntarily. All dues should be paid in cash on the last working day.

A worker named Omar Faruq said, "Our wages are too low, and with the rising cost of living, we are demanding a 15 percent increase in annual wages. We also want our salaries paid by the 5th of each month."

Moinul Islam, another protesting worker, said: "The wage increase is essential because the rising prices of goods are not reflected in our pay. We are demanding a 15 percent increase to address this imbalance."

SP Mominul said workers had started their work stoppage from the morning.

Things took a turn when some of them started hurling bricks at a few factories, trying to force other workers to join the protest.

As the situation worsened, the factory authorities eventually declared a general holiday.

The officer said aside from some workers throwing brickbats at a few factories, no major incidents occurred.

He added that additional industrial police have been deployed in the area, with joint forces remaining on high alert.