Eight more factories closed in Ashulia amid protests

Workers in various garment factories in Ashulia continued their demonstrations and work boycott on Thursday, demanding higher wages. Rejecting the government's announcement of a 9 per cent annual wage increase for garment workers, they are demanding a 15 per cent annual wage hike and a minimum wage of Tk 25,000.

Due to worker unrest, eight more factories were declared closed on Thursday. Earlier on Wednesday, 11 factories were shut down.

According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006, eight factories have been closed today. These factories are AJ Super Garments Limited, Mam Garments Limited, Feroza Garments Limited, NASSA Super Garments Limited, NASSA Basic Limited, Trouser Line Limited, Al Muslim Apparels, and S Suhi Industrial Park.

However, there are 13 other factories in Ashulia where workers either did not come to work or where work was suspended. And eight factories have declared a general holiday today.

Section 13(1) of the Labor Law 2006 states that the owner of any branch or division of an establishment may close down such branch or establishment partially or fully due to an illegal strike in such branch or division, and in such case, the workers participating in the strike shall not be entitled to any wages.