A UK charity that has been warning of unsafe conditions in Bangladeshi factories for years is appealing to British Bangladeshi business leaders for cash donation following a recent fire that killed over 21 garment workers, to help prevent further tragedies.
At least 21 garment workers, including 15 women, died from smoke inhalation in a fire at a sweater factory in Bhogra of Gazipur last night. The fire broke out at night on the first floor of Garib & Garib sweater factory near Gazipur Chowrasta. A committee has been formed to probe into Thursday night's fire. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at the death of 21 garments workers. (Update)
Ashulia turned into a battlefield when several thousands garment workers demanding their pay hike clashed with law enforcers Monday morning, leaving at least 40 injured. The workers also put barricade on Dhaka-Tangail highway halting traffic movement for about two and half an hours from 9:00am.
Some intelligent agencies of the government have asked for the constitution of a committee to review the demands raised by different labour organisations for wage hike of garment workers. The recommendation has been made in view of some ongoing campaigns for enhancement of pay and benefits of garment workers who have been agitating for wage hike.
At least 20 people were injured and more than a score of vehicles damaged as police battled stone-throwing garment workers protesting at mistreatment of workers by managements and sudden closure of a factory at Ashulia on the outskirts of Dhaka on Monday morning. The angry workers went on the rampage blocking Tongi-Ashulia road and damaging more than 20 vehicles stranded on the road.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has sensed a campaign of industrial sabotage in Saturday’s protests of garment workers at Tongi, which, its leaders have said, was aimed at crowding out the country of the global clothing market.
Traffic movement on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway was suspended for nearly four hours today as garment workers put up barricade on the road demanding their salaries in arrear and bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Police charged batons on the demonstration, leaving 50 workers injured, witnesses said.
Food rationing for some 3 million garment workers looked uncertain as government and factory owners' sides traded blames for lack of willingness for the start. Sources said the garment owners were yet to take any comprehensive initiative to introduce the programme for the benefit of the workers.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith today said in Parliament the government too worried about the unrest in garment sector and the prime minister has directed all concerned to take necessary steps to control the prevailing situation.
Hundreds of workers of two garment factories have laid siege to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) office since morning demanding salary and bonus.
