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After several days of labour unrest, most factories in Ashulia have returned to normal operations, with workers resuming work peacefully.
However, due to continued protests and unmet demands, 40 factories have declared a holiday, although no unpleasant incidents have been reported by Tuesday noon, said Sarwar Alam, superintendent of Industrial Police-1.
From Tuesday morning, workers have been seen entering factories in the areas of Zirabo, Nischintapur, Narsinghpur, Sarker Market, Jamgora, and Baipail in Ashulia.
Some factories remain closed with notices posted at their gates, bdnews24.com reports.
In other factories, discussions between workers and management over demands continue. If the talks prove successful, these factories will also resume production.
An emergency meeting was held at the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, or BGMEA, complex in Uttara on Monday evening in response to the continuous worker unrest.
Factory owners, labour union leaders, and political figures were present.
During the meeting, it was decided that workers would receive attendance bonuses and increased tiffin allowances.
As per the decision, all garment factories in Ashulia were scheduled to reopen on Tuesday.
Some protesting workers said production has resumed at many factories. However, some factories are still closed, with workers having returned home.
Workers said they would return to work once discussions with the management are concluded. They have not created any disorder. Most factories have accepted the workers' demands.
Mohammad Moniruzzaman, human resources and compliance manager at Zon Ron Sweaters Limited, said: “We are operating the factory according to BGMEA guidelines. However, some outsiders suddenly threw brickbats at the factory. To maintain order, we have declared a holiday for our linking and trimming sections, but work continues in other sections.”
He added, “We have provided CCTV footage of attacks and vandalism to law-enforcing agencies. If they take action and workers remain vigilant, the factory can operate smoothly. Otherwise, the industry might suffer.”
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary at the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Centre, said while most factories continue production, some remain closed due to security concerns.
There have been no new incidents reported, and discussions between workers and owners are ongoing.
“Production continues in most factories and conditions are improving. In Dong Yang and some other factories, workers protested to demand their rights. Some factories are still negotiating with owners.”