Workers unrest may happen in several hundred clothing factories in Dhaka and its outskirts Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Fitrr, said intelligences report.
The report, which the home ministry received recently, said owners of factories, located in Ashulia, Savar, and Tongi, may face problems in paying workers’ wages and bonus, prompting worker unrest.
The government and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have taken measures in advance to prevent any possible unrest.
Under the measures, the Dhaka has been divided into 15 zones with a crisis control being operated centrally. Committee has been formed in each zone to ensure workers’ payment, sources at BGMEA said.
Besides, government’s regional crisis committee is also working in this regard.
Sources at the home ministry said, surveillance has been increased in Ashulia, Tongi, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Chattogram with deploying more intelligences and Industry Police forces.
They were ordered to stay on alert round the clock to avoid any possible unrest, said the sources.
According to the BGMEA sources, factory owners will face extra pressures as they will pay workers’ wager for three months at the same time – wage for June, May and Eid bonus.
BGME asked to the owners to mitigate the pressure in a bid to prevent worker unrest, the sources added.
Trashing away any possible worker unrest, BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman told Bangle Tribune
“We are aware of it. If factories, which is not its member, witness worker unrest BGMEA will not take responsibility.”
Bangladesh Exporters Association President Salam Murshedi said, “Small-scale problems may arise. However, all problems will be resolved before Eid.”
“This year, there would be no unrest over workers’ wage” hoped Murshedi, a former president of BGMEA.
Sources at Ashulia police told Bangla Tribune that no worker unrest in the area yet and police are vigilant on the matter.