Workers from two readymade garment factories owned by Pride Group – HR Textile Mills and Fashion Knit Garments ended their demonstration in Savar on Monday, 7th April, after the factory management agreed to settle their outstanding dues following a series of layoffs.
The protest began early in the morning when workers staged a sit-in outside the factories around 7:30 am, demanding the immediate reopening of their workplaces. Tensions escalated after workers discovered a notice announcing layoffs at the factory entrances, which were implemented without prior consultation.
A meeting took place around 12:30 pm, attended by representatives from the workers, factory management, and law enforcement officials, culminating in a signed agreement. Monirul Islam, Managing Director of Administration and Compliance for the factories, confirmed the resolution, stating, “We have reached a solution in the presence of all parties, including the army, Industrial Police, and representatives of both workers and owners. The situation is currently normal.”
As per the agreement, workers are set to receive their salaries for March by 15th April, with efforts made to pay for the first six days of April. Additional benefits will be disbursed by 10th May in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Law 2006. The agreement also stipulates that any resignations or dismissals will be processed in line with the Labour Law, with dues settled within 30 working days.
Workers expressed frustration after being informed of the layoffs, which were declared until 30th April. Many reported that they had not been consulted before the decision was made, causing significant distress among those dependent on their wages for family support. Factory management cited financial difficulties stemming from ongoing issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, along with a shortage of work orders and gas supply, as reasons for the layoffs.
In response to the unrest, military personnel and Industrial Police have been deployed to maintain order in the area.
