Savar, Sep 08 (V7N)- Despite the decision by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to reopen factories in Ashulia from Sunday, at least 15 garment factories declared a general holiday following workers’ protests.

Factory operations initially resumed at 8 a.m., with workers reporting for duty. However, by 10 a.m., employees from several factories, including Naptal, Continental, Yagi, and Newage, went on strike, leading the authorities to announce a general holiday to avoid unrest.

Workers are frustrated, claiming that while the BGMEA ordered the factories to reopen, their demands remain unmet by the owners. In contrast, workers in other factories resumed work after their demands were addressed.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, Legal Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Center, stated that the strike began within the factories around 9:30 a.m., prompting management to declare a holiday. He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved if factory owners meet with workers to discuss their demands.

Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, confirmed the holiday declaration and assured that additional police have been deployed to ensure order in front of the factories. No reports of unrest have been received so far.

Tension has been simmering in the Ashulia industrial area for several days, following agitation from workers and job aspirants. Protests escalated last Wednesday in Savar-Ashulia and Gazipur, leading to unrest and factory closures. As a result, 167 factories declared holidays on Thursday. Operations resumed in most factories on Saturday after the situation began to normalise.

The BGMEA held a meeting on Saturday where it was decided that all garment factories in Ashulia would reopen on Sunday. However, continued worker dissatisfaction has led to ongoing disruptions in some factories.