Thousands of former workers from Lenny Fashions and Lenny Apparels have staged a protest on the Nabinagar-Chandra highway, blocking traffic to demand the payment of their long-overdue salaries and benefits. The two factories, which closed down four years ago amid the Covid-19 pandemic, left approximately 7,500 workers without three months of wages, leave encashments and other service benefits.
The demonstration led to severe congestion on both sides of the highway, with protesters vowing to remain on the road until their dues are settled. Law enforcement agencies, including the Industrial Police, were deployed to ensure public safety and to facilitate discussions between the frustrated workers and factory authorities.
Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), claiming it has repeatedly failed to deliver on promises regarding their outstanding payments. Md Islam, a former employee of Lenny Apparels, revealed he is owed Taka 44,000, which includes a month’s salary and various benefits..
Faridul Islam, organising secretary of the National Garment Workers Federation, highlighted that the factories ceased operations in 2021 due to financial difficulties but did not provide any of the severance owed to their workers.
In response to the unrest, Dhaka EPZ Executive Director Md Abdus Sobhan stated that he would address the situation in due course, though specific details on resolution were not provided at this time.
