More than 50 RMG factories closed in Gazipur

Readymade garment factory workers have continued their protests, rejecting the Tk 12,500 minimum wage announced by the government. Meanwhile, nearly a hundred factories in the Gazipur area have closed off, turning away the workers on Thursday morning.

Ratan Miah, a worker at the Norp Industry in Konabari, Gazipur, said he came to work at around 8am. After an hour he was told to go home.

Hundreds of workers like him were seen walking home.

Meanwhile, many workers protested by lighting wood scraps and tyres on the Bypass Road of Konabari Naojor area, Islampur road, Chowrasta, and Chandna areas. Incidents of chase and counter-chase occurred between police and the workers.

Gazipur Superintendent of Police Kazi Shafiqul Alam told the Daily Samakal, "Workers of some factories are trying to occupy the roads. We are removing them from the roads by negotiating. Members of law enforcement forces are alert."

He also requested the workers to remain vigilant against any rumours.

RMG sector workers in the capital and adjoining areas have been protesting with the demand for a minimum wage of Tk 23,000, despite efforts by the government, workers' leaders, and owners' associations to normalise the situation.

On October 21, workers demanded that their minimum wage be increased from the existing Tk 8,000 to Tk 20,390 while earlier, the owners proposed to increase it to Tk 10,400.

The government on Tuesday (November 7) announced Tk 12,500 as the minimum salary for entry-level ready-made garment (RMG) factory workers, raising it by 56.25 per cent from the current wage.

/KN/