Government did not keep its word; workers of 5 factories stage sit-in at Shrom Bhaban today to press home demands

Workers of five garment factories staged a sit-in and demonstration in front of Shrom Bhaban today demanding outstanding wages and allowances. Following the death of worker Ramprasad on Sunday, a high-level government meeting was scheduled to be held today Monday under pressure. Seven hours after officials were freed following the assurance from the administration at 10:45 PM that night, it was learned that the meeting did not take place today. Since Monday morning, workers had been staging a sit-in and demonstration in front of the Bijoynagar Shrom Bhaban.

At 3:45 PM, they announced that they would block the road if their demands were not met within an hour. As their demands were not met, they took positions on the road shortly afterward. Later, considering public suffering, they moved away from the road and resumed their sit-in in front of Shrom Bhaban as before. At this time, several left-wing student organizations were seen expressing solidarity with the just demands of the workers and joining them.

It is known that the protesters are workers and employees of TNZ Apparel, Apparel Plus Eco Limited, Roar Fashion, Style Craft Garments, and Dard Composite Textile Limited. They have been observing a sit-in program at Shrom Bhaban since morning demanding overdue wages, Eid bonuses, maternity leave allowances, service benefits, and compensation for the deceased Ramprasad Singh. The workers stated that although they wanted to demonstrate on the road, they chose to take positions in front of Shrom Bhaban considering the month of Ramadan.

Earlier yesterday, Ramprasad Singh (40), a garment executive, fell ill and died during a sit-in program in front of Shrom Bhaban demanding 14 months of overdue wages and bonuses. At 10:45 PM, they lifted the blockade upon assurances from the administration. Officials were freed after seven hours. Although a high-level government meeting was scheduled for 11:00 AM on Monday regarding this matter, it reportedly did not take place.

Zahirul Islam Zahir, a worker and labor leader of TNZ Apparel, said, "All our overdue wages and Eid bonuses were supposed to be paid on March 18. But the owners went into hiding before that. Therefore, we will remain in the movement until our rightful dues are realized." Rehana Begum, a worker of Style Craft, said, "Although we were assured yesterday, no arrangement has been made to compensate the family for the death of our colleague Ramprasad. Therefore, we are compelled to stage the demonstration."