Giant Textiles Ltd, located in Baniarchala of Gazipur Sadar, has declared an indefinite closure of its operations, citing labour unrest and violations of the Bangladesh Labour Act.
A notice posted at the factory gate on Sunday announced the shutdown under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006. “All operations will remain suspended until further notice,” confirmed Sohel Rana, the factory’s administration manager.
According to the notice, workers on 27th September blocked the dyeing section, bonded warehouse, and main gate, halting production. When senior officials, including Rana, attempted to intervene, they were allegedly assaulted.
The management stated that attempts by both the factory authorities and the local administration to resolve the standoff had failed, further deteriorating the situation. Initially, a general holiday was declared, but escalating tensions later prompted authorities to order evacuation of the premises.
The factory termed the protests “an unlawful strike under labour law” and argued that the shutdown was necessary to “protect staff safety and company assets.”
Workers, however, disputed the allegations. Employee Al Hadi claimed that his removal over a card-punching issue had triggered the unrest. “When others asked for clarification, they were attacked by men linked to the factory,” he alleged.
Trade union leaders Jalal Hawlader and Mahfuzul Islam of the Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre accused the factory authorities of physically assaulting workers and harassing female employees. They called for reopening the factory and demanded accountability for those responsible.
Gazipur Industrial Police Inspector Abdul Latif, who was present during the protest, said the closure had been announced primarily to safeguard the factory’s property.
