Gazipur workers stage sit-in over layoffs, demand reopening of factory

Hundreds of workers from Ananta Casual Wear Limited held a sit-in protest on Monday morning outside the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) in Gazipur, calling for an end to layoffs and the immediate reopening of their factory.

The factory declared a one-day closure earlier today, citing worker unrest. Management issued a notice stating that all sections of the factory would remain closed today with pay, and operations are expected to resume tomorrow.

“This is to inform all employees that all sections of this factory will remain closed today with pay. All employees are instructed to resume work and carry out their duties properly from tomorrow,” read the notice signed by a senior general manager.

Md Habil, an inspector with the Gazipur Industrial Police informed that workers had staged a sit-in inside the factory yesterday after refusing to work. The factory subsequently declared a holiday for today in response.

Despite the closure, protesting workers gathered at the DIFE office this morning.

“We were suddenly removed from the factory. What are we supposed to do now? Where will we go?” said Selina, one of the protesters. Another protester, Kabita, said, “Many workers are living in fear of being laid off. Our demand is simple: no one should be terminated without prior notice.”

Ziaul Kabir Khokon, president of the Garment Workers Trade Union Centre in Gazipur, said, “This factory has been terminating workers without prior notice. Although dues have been cleared, the workers want job security, not payouts. That is why hundreds are protesting today. I am here with them at the DIFE office.”

Khokon added that a meeting will be held soon between workers, factory owners, and officials to address the issue.

When contacted, factory manager Badr Uddin declined to comment, citing a busy schedule.