Over 300 RMG workers protest in Dhaka against ‘sudden layoffs’

More than 300 workers have demonstrated in Dhaka claiming they have been laid off by Q-Point Fashions Ltd, a readymade garment factory located in Savar.

The workers filed an application to the Department of Labour on Aug 31 seeking permission to form a union. This angered the company and the authorities laid off 322 workers on Sept 11, said ‘Jewel’, who used to work as a supervisor at the factory.  

He and other workers gathered in front of the office of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association or BGMEA in Karwan Bazar on Monday, waving red flags.

They also claimed that the management have not paid their wages for three months and 13 days and not cleared other dues for overtime and holidays.

“Deputy Production Manager Babu Halder got us beaten up by local goons when we approached him for money,” said Jewel.

The workers also blamed the authorities for not issuing appointment letters, sending them on forced leave, not granting female workers maternity leave and firing them instead, and not granting workers holidays.

“They cannot fire us this way. They sometimes lock up female workers inside the factory and assault them,” said Sultana Begum, a demonstrator.

“So we are here to lodge our protests,” said Begum, also President of Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation.

Babu Halder first refused to speak to bdnews24.com, claiming that he was not employed at Q-Point Fashions Ltd.

But later he claimed that no one was laid off. “They are making up allegations.”