Ashulia-Savar industrial area 'at risk of unrest' again

Garment workers in Ashulia-Savar are preparing for fresh protests, demanding a resolution to several issues, including complications surrounding the 9% increment proposal and financial entitlements for annual leave. The unrest, particularly in smaller factories, raises concerns about the stability of the industrial zone, which has recently been calm after prolonged instability.

According to sources, hundreds of workers in Ashulia's factories plan to hit the streets from the second week of January, following the disbursement of salaries for the first week.

Workers, federation leaders, and industrial police officials have also indicated that while the situation in Ashulia-Savar has appeared stable for the past month, potential unrest looms due to employer negligence.

They cite dissatisfaction with factory owners imposing conditions on the 9% annual increment. Workers employed for less than a year are excluded, leaving them frustrated and planning protests if their demands are not met. If unresolved, this discontent could spread across the country’s garment sector.

The industrial zone was tense from June to August last year due to wage-related grievances and quota reform protests. After a series of protests, road blockades, and negotiations, BGMEA introduced several measures, including increased attendance bonuses and allowances, which temporarily eased tensions.

However, since mid-December, workers have been raising new demands. The recommendation to implement a 9% annual increment, made by the "Committee on Annual Increment Feasibility and Implementation," has further escalated tensions. Workers with less than a year of service are excluded from the increment, causing dissatisfaction.

Following the committee’s fifth meeting, a decision was made to implement the increment in consultation with the Ministry of Labor and Employment. However, many factories lack the capacity to comply, and some owners are accused of worsening the increment issue.

Workers are demanding immediate discussions to address this inequity.

Tanjila, a worker at Gildan Bangladesh Limited, expressed her frustration:
"Those employed for over a year will receive a 9% increment, but those like us, employed for less than a year, get nothing. We would be satisfied even with a partial increment. With rising market prices, how can we survive?"

Saidul Islam, a worker at Anjuman Garments Limited, added:
"We’ve heard about the wage hike, but there’s no guidance for workers like us who have been here for six or seven months. When wages rise, so will rent and living costs. BGMEA should consider our situation too."

Khairul Mamun Mintu, Legal Secretary of the Garments Workers and Sweater Workers Trade Union Center, supports the workers’ demands:
"This is the first increment since 2023, and implementing it in all of Ashulia-Savar’s 5,000+ factories is challenging. The government and BGMEA must ensure proper implementation and address other demands quickly to avoid instability."

Faridul Islam, General Secretary of the National Garments Federation’s Ashulia Committee, expressed concerns:
"Ashulia’s environment is currently peaceful, but the increment issue could cause unrest once salaries are paid this week. BGMEA and factory owners should revisit the exclusion of workers employed for less than a year or immediately discuss a resolution with them."

Faruk Ahmed, an administrative officer at Prime Cap BD Limited, dismissed concerns, stating:
"The recent BGMEA announcement doesn’t seem problematic. If increments are implemented across the board, some workers’ salaries will double. BGMEA has also ensured affordable TCB products for workers, which will help mitigate the impact of rising prices. However, landlords should be more considerate to avoid further financial strain on workers."

However, Mintu disagreed, claiming that most workers will reject the proposed increment conditions:
"Only workers employed for a year will benefit, leaving the majority excluded due to frequent job changes. Those left out will inevitably protest. We urge employers to offer partial increments now and the full amount after a year."

Industrial Police-1 Superintendent Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan acknowledged the risks:
"The situation is relatively calm, but there’s still a risk. We receive daily reports of disputes over attendance bonuses and increments. Without resolution, instability could return soon."

He added, "Employers are reluctant to resolve the issues, citing security concerns. However, we are actively engaging with both workers and employers to address these challenges."