A protest took place on Monday morning in Gazipur’s Konabari area following the abrupt layoff of 2,203 workers from two factories of the Keya Group, a major player in the RMG sector. The layoffs come two months ahead of a scheduled shutdown set for 1st May 2025, raising tensions among the workforce.
The demonstration commenced around 8:20 am as workers gathered in front of the factory and later congregated at the main gate of Koya Cosmetics. Local police, including officers from the Gazipur Industrial Police and Konabari police station, were deployed to manage the situation and engage with the agitated workers.
Nazrul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of the Konabari police station, stated, “We are present on-site and are attempting to calm the workers by explaining the current circumstances.”
Keya Group’s management had previously informed employees in a notice dated 2nd January about the permanent closure of four factories, including the Keya Group’s Knit Composite Division and MP Sweaters Limited, citing market instability, banking discrepancies, raw material shortages and inadequate production capacity as the primary reasons for the closure.
However, a recent notice issued by the factory’s chairman unexpectedly announced the immediate layoff of 2,203 employees, effective 1st March 2025, instead of the previously communicated date of 1st May. The notice stated, “In light of unresolved banking issues, all workers will be permanently released from service starting 1st March 2025.”
The management assured that workers’ dues would be settled according to labour laws within 30 working days. Nevertheless, workers expressed their discontent, noting that many had not yet received their pending payments. The unexpected nature of the layoffs added to the unrest, with several workers voicing their frustration over the lack of communication from management.
Sabina Yasmin, HR Manager at Keya Group, stated, “All laid-off workers will receive their dues according to labour law and we plan to process these payments by 24th March.” She further explained the challenges the company has faced, including ongoing banking issues and the factory owner’s incarceration. Yasmin mentioned that the owner’s daughter has assured that all dues will be settled punctually.
