DHAKA : Expressing profound dissatisfaction, leaders of RMG workers it is illegal to declare all units at Ashulia for indefinite period.
In an instant reaction, after the closure, Jago Bangladesh Garment Federation President Baharain Sultan Bahar told banglanews: “We do not accept the decision. BGMEA cannot pronounce the illegal decision.”
Following five days of labour unrest, owners Saturday declared shutdown of all readymade garment factories in Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital for an indefinite period from Sunday.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) took the decision while the factories were losing production due to the unrest in the industrial zone.
BGMEA President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said, “We are losing production every day. Now, we can hardly tolerate further. So, we have decided to close over 300 factories in Ashulia area.”
The RMG exporters’ leader told the journalists that “we are the victims of a conspiracy.”
He added: “It is the responsibility of the government to find out the real culprits and bring them to book.”
Protesting the BGMEA decision, the workers leader said, “We will protest the decision. We will go for movement. There is no right of BGMEA to take the decision without consultation with workers leaders.”
Bahar also said, “We want to protect the industry. The owners can solve the problem through discussion if they want.”
General Secretary of the organization Moinuddin Mondol said, “Such a decision is very sad. It is usual to press home the demand of workers for salary hikes.”
Earlier in the day, at least 50 people, including a cop were injured in Ashulia as the agitating workers engaged in sporadic clashes with the law enforcing members.
The workers of readymade garments began demonstration for the sixth consecutive day Saturday demanding salary-hike.
Vehicular movements on Abdullapur-Baipail road halted in the morning as the RMG workers are demonstrating on the street.
In the latest development, chases and counter chases were ensued between police and workers in front of Dewan CNG Station in Nishchitapur area of Ashulia at 9:30am, leaving 50 people injured.
BDST: 2132 HRS, JUN 16, 2012
Edited by: M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor
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