Thousands of Readymade Garments (RMG) workers of four factories on Monday staged demonstrations putting blockades on roads demanding their arrear wages. The factories, located just on the outskirts of the capital in Savar, are Raquef Apparels washing and packaging ltd, Passion Jeans ltd and Passion Apparels and Wear ltd of same group of company, which was closed on last February 20 keeping 2 months’ arrear of workers and 3 months’ arrear of staff at Hemayetpur area in Savar and Worldone Denim and Washing Ltd of Unic area in Ashulia of Savar.
It was known by several rights organisations that the workers of the three RMG factories of Hemayetpur started demonstration since Sunday morning and protested demanding their arrear wages by blocking Hemayetpur-Singair road. Workers from the movement alleged that the authorities of those three RMG factories had announced to close their factories on last February 20, keeping their salaries pending.
The workers mentioned that they were forced to go for the demonstration as the factory owners did not pay them their due salaries even though the due date is over. When asked about the health safety in maintaining social distances to prevent coronavirus infection, the workers said, "What do we do with social distance if we die of starvation".
Kabir Hossain, President of National Garment Sramik Federation told Bangladesh Post, "We talked to the authorities of three factories of Savar on Sunday, but they did not give any decision. Today (Monday) the authorities sought more time till April 30 to pay the salaries, but the overwhelming majority of the workers refused to allow more time. The workers vowed to continue their demonstrations until getting their salaries."
This correspondent could not reach Shakil Mahmud, Deputy Manager (Admin) of Raquef Apparels washing and packaging ltd for comments as his mobile number was switched off. Meanwhile, KM Mintu, Organising Secretary of Garment Sramik Trade Union Kendra told Bangladesh Post, "Hundreds of RMG workers of Worldone Denim and Washing Ltd, has been on demonstration demanding 3 months salaries in Ashulia in Savar."
Jane Alam Khan, Assistant Superintendent of Dhaka industrial police-1 said, "Our police members are present at the spot. We are waiting for a peaceful solution."
