The ongoing labour unrest in the region has resulted in the shutdown of Globus Garments Limited, located in the Mouchak area of Kaliakair Upazila. This closure follows the recent announcement from Unique Design Factory, which laid off 78 workers just days prior.
On 12th March, workers from Globus Garments Limited staged a protest by blocking the Dhaka-Tangail highway, causing significant traffic disruptions. Police intervened to disperse the demonstrators, allowing traffic to resume by 10:30 am, according to Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, AKM Zahidul Islam.
The unrest at Globus Garments began on 8th March, when several workers were reportedly assaulted by factory staff, prompting immediate protests inside the facility. Despite resolving the disputes between workers and management, the factory remained closed for three days, leading to further protests as workers grew frustrated with the situation.
The factory’s management issued a lay-off notice on 11th March, attributing the closure to an “illegal workers’ strike” on 8th March, which they claimed warranted a shutdown under the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 (amended in 2018). This announcement sparked renewed protests, culminating in the highway blockade.
In a related incident, Unique Design Factory, located in the Boardbazar area of Gazipur Metropolitan City, laid off 78 workers, which prompted another 52 workers to abstain from work in solidarity. Protests ensued as the terminated workers demanded outstanding wages, preventing other employees from entering the factory. Negotiations mediated by the Industrial Police led to discussions between Unique Design management and the protesting workers, who agreed to resume work upon receiving their dues.
Additionally, workers from Khan Tex Fashion Limited in Bartopa protested on the Maona-Kaliakair regional road, advocating for an eight-point charter that includes timely salary payments, last month’s wages by the 15th of Ramadan, and Eid bonuses for both new and existing employees by the 20th.
Authorities continue to engage in discussions with the workers, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing labor disputes in the region.
