Beximco’s closed factory won’t reopen: Adviser Sakhawat

Labour and Employment Affairs Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr Sakhawat Hussain has said that it is not feasible to reopen the closed factory of Beximco Industrial Park.

“For some time, the environment was peaceful. Suddenly, yesterday, they (workers) organised an assembly and presented three demands. I believe it is impossible for any government to fulfil these demands as they are highly unreasonable,” he said.

“Despite this, they announced they would form a human chain and block roads. They followed through, and we did not intervene. Police were deployed, but they were not obstructed,” said Sakhawat, who is also the convener of the Advisory Council Committee for reviewing the labour and business situation of industrial institutions in Beximco Industrial Park, on Thursday.

The labour affairs adviser was speaking during a press conference on Thursday at the Secretariat.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and Home Affairs Adviser Lt General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury were present at the time, among others. 

“We assumed, and still assume, they would present their demands responsibly, and we have no objections to that. However, what happened yesterday was unprecedented. Over 100 buses were burned, and various establishments were vandalised. This should not have occurred. It has never happened before. Why did this suddenly happen? We will investigate. I believe this is completely irresponsible. Those leading this have acted deceitfully and nearly created a significant crisis,” he added.

“Extreme patience was shown, but that patience was not respected. During yesterday’s meeting, the secretary spoke, and they assured us they would engage peacefully. Today, they came and spoke. So far, no one has been physically harmed, but now it seems this restraint is being perceived as a weakness. Many police officers have been injured. They even attacked the police and set army vehicles on fire,” Sakhawat also said.

Asked whether there was any possibility of reopening the closed Beximco factory, Sakhawat replied, “With what? How?”

Responding to concerns about whether buyers might refrain from engaging with Beximco, he said, “Buyers will not come. Who will take responsibility for these assets? (Referring to Beximco’s financial state) Is it possible to operate a factory under these circumstances? Will you run it?”

Employees of Beximco have demanded a loan of Tk 700 crore by mortgaging 23 acres of land. When asked about this, Sakhawat responded, “That land is already mortgaged.”