Workers of TNZ Group in Gazipur resume movement demanding arrears and Eid bonus

Workers of TNZ Group in Gazipur have resumed their movement demanding the payment of arrear salaries and Eid bonuses. From a rally held in front of the Labor Building in the capital's Bijoynagar on Sunday (May 18), they gave a five-hour ultimatum to realize their demands. The workers warned of strict nationwide programs if their demands are not met. Labor leader Shahidul Islam, National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary, and leaders of other labor organizations were present at the rally.

Labor leader Shahidul said, "We have repeatedly raised our demands and gone to the government and administration. But they are showing a step-motherly attitude towards us. We will not return until our demands are met." After the rally, several thousand workers started a protest procession from Bijoynagar, parading through various roads covering Kakrail and Paltan. At that time, law enforcement agencies were in a cautious position. Background of the movement: Workers have taken to the movement at various times before as well.

On May 10, holding a press conference in front of the Labor Building itself, they stated that the owners had broken their promise. Although the arrears were supposed to be paid by May 7, that did not happen. They alleged that despite holding rallies in Gazipur and Dhaka consecutively for two days on May 11 and 12, there was no progress. The workers claim they have been agitating for Eid bonuses, service benefits, and arrear salaries for the past two months. During Ramadan, a sit-in program was also observed at the Labor Building for seven consecutive days.

Later, in a meeting mediated by the government on March 29, the owner side promised to pay 3 crore Taka against the demand of about 17 crore Taka, but in reality, they gave 2 crore 67 lakh Taka. That too had to be obtained through various complications. Although the Labor Secretary assured in the meeting that all arrears would be paid before May Day, that was not implemented. Later, despite entering into agreements in tripartite meetings on April 8 and April 22, the failure to pay the full dues by May 7 has created anger among the workers.

Workers say that even though the stipulated time has passed, the dues have not been paid and no party has informed about a new deadline or progress.