In response to recent worker demonstrations, the management of two garment manufacturers in Gazipur, MM Knitwear and Mamun Knitwear Limited, has put them on indefinite leave. The closures were announced after unrest and work stoppages at the factories, which are owned by MM Group, a prominent player in the local garment industry.
Authorities claim that the decision was made in accordance with Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (as revised in 2013 and 2018), which was based on workers’ unlawful strikes and disruptive conduct. Workers from the clothing, screen printing, and embroidery divisions entered the premises on Tuesday, 29th April, refused to work, and engaged in disruptive and disorderly behaviour, according to the closure notice that was put up on the gates of the factory on Wednesday morning, 30th April.
The administrative officer of MM Knitwear, Md. Monowar Hossain, affirmed the indefinite closure and claimed that it complied with labour regulations. There was no attack on laid-off workers, he said, dismissing reports of violence. Gazipur Industrial Police superintendents said that although MM Group usually settles disputes amicably, recent employee conduct had become problematic, which prompted the closure. To stop more chaos, police officers have been stationed outside the factories.
Workers were accused by management of unlawfully stopping work, defying orders, and causing a chaotic environment that damaged the property. The notification of closure made it clear that the industries would not return until a suitable environment was restored; the date of reopening would be disclosed later.
More than 300 workers were recently let go after being paid in full, according to sources close to the workers. Some employees claimed that after some laid-off coworkers were allegedly beaten by people connected to the plant management, tensions increased and the remaining employees protested.
