Tanners threaten tougher agitation for utility connections to Savar factories

Tannery owners and workers have demonstrated in the capital demanding power, water and gas connections to the factories in the new leather industry in Savar within 15 days.

They threatened that they would go for tougher agitation if their demands are not met within that period.

The announcement came at a rally on Monday at Hazaribagh in Dhaka from where the tanneries are being relocated to Savar following a court order.

"We will announce tough programmes like laying siege to BSCIC office if we do not get the gas, power and water connections within the deadline," Bangladesh Tanners' Association President Shaheen Ahmed said.

Shaheen is also a co-chairman of the Tanners' Unity Council, which was formed recently to press for the demands.    

The Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the authorities to ensure that the factories shifted to Savar from Hazaribagh get the utility connections within 15 days.

The Department of Environment and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) were ordered to ensure that the factories do not pollute the environment in Savar.

Tannery Workers' Association General Secretary Abdul Malek told bdnews24.com that there were nine points in their charter of demand.

Malek, who is also a member of the Unity Council, said the demands also included housing and safety at the workplace for the workers in Savar.

He said they would organise a black flag procession at Hazaribagh on Apr 12 and announce fresh programmes after a meeting of all the associations in the leather industry at the Bangladesh Leather Technology Auditorium on Apr 15.