The son of the owner and deputy managing director of Mahmud Jeans Ltd, Rafee Mahmud, was beaten yesterday (28 November) by the factory’s workers, who have been demanding their outstanding salaries.
Rafee, who is also the vice-president of Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Association (Bayla), in a statement to members of Bayla Yesterday said, “They [workers] tried to murder me. I couldn’t even speak for two minutes before the mob started attacking from all around.”
“Later I was dragged and slammed under the flyover and was assaulted by big bricks, metal rods and tree branches. As soon as I got hit on the back of my head I fainted for a while.
On Thursday workers of Mahmud Jeans Limited in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir, they staged a demonstration blocking the Dhaka-Tangail highway all day, demanding their due wages.
In a press statement today, BGMEA expressed deep concern over the incident.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has strongly condemned the attack on Deputy Managing Director of Mahmud Jeans Ltd Rafee Mahmud in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir yesterday (28 November).
In a press statement today (29 November), BGMEA expressed deep concern over the incident.
Rafee, also the son of the factory owner, was discussing the issue of pending wages with the workers yesterday evening. Some people attacked and injured him, confining him to the factory.
Later, the army and police rescued him from the factory, BGMEA said.
“Such an attack during ongoing negotiations is unacceptable.”
BGMEA believes that such audacity is a blow to the entire industry. It is unacceptable to attack an industry that is the driving force of the country’s economy, directly employs 40 lakh workers, and indirectly supports the livelihoods of 5 crore people.
This incident will send the wrong message about the country’s industry to the outside world, the statement read.
Besides BKMEA president Mohammad Hatem said a daily news paper,
BKMEA calls on all law enforcement agencies to actively cooperate in maintaining good law and order in the garment industry. Every garment factory is drawing the attention of the relevant quarters of the government to provide security.
He want to safty and security of RMG oweners and Industry.
He also demanded those who are involved in instigating and destabilising the industry be brought to justice.
We protest and strongly condemn the heinous attack on Rafi Mahmud, DMD of Mahmud Denim, a reputed apparel company, and wish Mr. Mahmud a speedy recovery. We demand quick arrest and strict punishment of the attackers said Al Shahriar Ahmed, President of BGAPMEA and GS of BAYLA
Association leaders stressed strengthening safety and security measures to keep their factory units operational amid ongoing labour unrest.
