Approximately 1,700 employees at Modist CEPZ Limited, a garment manufacturing unit within the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) under the JMS Group, have entered their fourth consecutive day of sit-in strike, demanding unpaid wages for May.
The protest began on 23rd June, with workers entering the factory premises but refusing to resume production activities. Instead, they continued their demonstration inside the factory, halting all operations, a pattern consistent with previous strikes on 19th,21st and 22nd June.
Despite assurances from factory management that the overdue wages would be settled by 22nd June, workers report that payments have yet to be made. Authorities state that the wages are expected to be cleared today; however, the workers remain firm in their stance, refusing to return to work until they receive full payment.
To maintain order, security measures have been intensified around the factory, with industrial police, BEPZA security personnel, and army patrols deployed to oversee the situation.
CEPZ Executive Director Abdus Sobhan confirmed the ongoing tension, stating, “The factory owners have informed us that the outstanding wages will be paid today. However, the workers have decided not to resume work until their dues for May are fully settled.” He also highlighted that the factory has been impacted by declining orders and reduced production over the past few months, which has contributed to delays in salary payments.
