'March to Jamuna' TNZ workers stage sit-in at Kakrail intersection facing police obstruction

Agitating garment workers of TNZ are observing the 'March to Jamuna' program demanding payment of outstanding wages and allowances. However, they faced police obstruction at the Kakrail intersection while marching towards the Jamuna building. Facing the obstacle, the workers took a position at the Kakrail intersection and continued their protest. On Tuesday (May 20) at 3 pm, the agitating workers arrived at the Kakrail intersection with a procession.

Holding a banner titled 'Memorandum to the Chief Adviser', they chanted various slogans and demanded the prompt payment of all their dues in accordance with the tripartite agreement. Today, carrying a 'March to Jamuna' banner, the workers started their march towards Jamuna from the direction of Paltan, bringing out a massive procession from the Labour Building while chanting slogans. But upon reaching the Kakrail intersection, the police blocked their path. Facing the obstruction, the protesters blocked the road at the Kakrail intersection and continued their demonstration. The Kakrail intersection is now heated with slogans.

Earlier, workers have been continuing an indefinite sit-in program in front of the Labour Building since March 23 to demand outstanding wages and allowances of TNZ. The movement is prolonging as dues amounting to Tk 54 crore 12 lakh 67 thousand for 5,219 workers across 8 factories have not been paid. The protesters alleged that many workers have 1-3 months of wages and Eid bonuses pending, while some have not received wages and allowances for over a year.

Although some partial payments were made following this movement that began on March 23, May 7 was fixed for the third time to clear the dues during a tripartite meeting on April 22. But as that was not implemented either, the workers took to the streets again. As there was no progress in realizing their demands even in the rallies held in Dhaka and Gazipur on May 11 and 12, the workers continued their movement amid frustration, anger and inhumane conditions.

They alleged that police charged batons, fired tear gas shells and sound grenades during this movement, injuring many workers. Many have also fallen ill and been admitted to hospitals during the long sit-in program. Against this backdrop, the 'March to Jamuna' program was announced, which started today, May 20, at 2:30 pm from in front of the Labour Building. The main objective was to go to the Jamuna Tower and submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser.

However, as no effective steps have been taken by the government so far, the agitating workers claim that how long this fight will continue depends on the government's goodwill. In their words, "We want our due money, not promises".