In a rally held on Wednesday in front of Shrom Bhaban in Dhaka, RMG workers and labour rights activists called for the immediate payment of three months’ overdue wages, Eid bonuses, and other pending dues. This protest has been ongoing for four days, with workers expressing urgent concerns about their financial situation ahead of the Eid celebrations.
The event, titled We Want Freedom for Fish, Meat, Rice, and Wages, was organised by the Ganatantrik Adhikar Committee. Activists urged the interim Government to take swift action to ensure that all outstanding wages and bonuses are paid to workers across the nation.
Anu Muhammad, a prominent speaker at the rally, criticised the Government’s response to the wage crisis, stating that it is negligent for officials to claim that unpaid wages are solely the responsibility of factory owners. He also condemned the industrial police for their actions against workers and student leaders during the protests, demanding accountability from the Government.
Researcher Maha Mirza highlighted the plight of workers, noting that they have gone unpaid for three months while factory owners continue to mislead them. She criticised the current Government for perpetuating a cycle of repression against workers. Mirza insisted that all pending wages and allowances should be cleared before Eid.
Raju Ahmed, general secretary of the Garments-Textile Sramik Federation, echoed these sentiments, questioning why workers still have to protest for their rightful dues under the Awami League Government. Workers reported that factory owners have repeatedly assured them of payments but have failed to follow through, leaving them in dire financial straits ahead of the holiday.
Demands made by the protesters included wages for January and February, food allowances, Eid bonuses, and the current month’s salary. Participants vowed to continue their demonstrations until their dues are resolved.
Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua also addressed the crowd during the rally. Since 23rd March, workers from various garment factories, including TNZ Apparels Limited and Apparels Plus Eco Limited, have been staging sit-ins in front of Shrom Bhaban. On Monday afternoon, clashes between police and protesters resulted in injuries to at least five police personnel and several workers as demonstrators attempted to march toward the Secretariat.
