Gazipur, November 19, 2024: In a bid to quell the ongoing labour unrest at Beximco factories, the Bangladesh government has announced an emergency loan package to the company through the Labour Ministry and Finance Division. This intervention aims to clear unpaid wages for October and restore normalcy in the factory operations.
The announcement, made through a notice signed by Labour Ministry Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, calls for immediate resumption of work at all Beximco facilities in the Ashulia-Chandra area. The secretary urged workers to return to their jobs promptly, emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
The unrest began when workers from multiple Beximco factories staged demonstrations demanding overdue salaries. Today marked the fifth consecutive day of protests, with hundreds of workers blocking the Chandra-Nabinagar highway near the Chakraborty intersection in the Sarabo area of Kashimpur, Gazipur. Protesters resumed their blockade at around 10:00 am, following a temporary suspension of demonstrations late last night.
The blockade has disrupted transportation and trade activities along the vital highway, adding pressure on local authorities to resolve the standoff.
Speaking to reporters, a Labour Ministry official said, “This loan package demonstrates the government’s proactive role in addressing labour grievances. We urge the workers to trust this process and resume their duties immediately.”
Beximco management has welcomed the government’s support and pledged to disburse the pending salaries promptly upon receiving the funds.
The Finance Division is expected to release the loan amount within the next 48 hours, enabling factory operations to return to normal. Despite the assurance, workers have vowed to continue protests until wages are paid in full.
Local police have been deployed to maintain order, but the situation remains tense. Labour rights organizations have called for sustainable solutions to prevent recurring wage-related disruptions in the industrial sector.
The unfolding situation highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring timely wage disbursement and worker welfare in Bangladesh’s vital manufacturing sector.
