The industrial hub of Ashulia has become turbulent once again as garment workers reject the government-declared 4% annual increment and demand a 15% hike instead. The workers’ ongoing strikes have led to the closure of 25 factories, with several others declaring holidays to manage the unrest.

Ashulia Industrial Police-1 Superintendent Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan confirmed that six factories, including units under Nasa Group, Trouser Line, and Al Muslim, were shut down on Thursday to prevent further disruptions. Additionally, eight factories, such as New Age Garments, New Age Apparels, Medlar Apparels, and Bando Design, announced general holidays. In several other factories, including Knit Asia Limited, Next Collection Limited, Deco Design Limited, Sharmin Fashion, and Ethical Garments, workers arrived but refrained from working, leaving production suspended.

Field investigations revealed that workers from at least 25 factories staged peaceful sit-ins for one to two hours before leaving their workplaces. As a precautionary measure, authorities of factories like New Age, Bando Design, Medlar Apparels, and Sharmin Group declared temporary closures. Meanwhile, six factories under Nasa Group also ceased operations. Despite the disruptions in these factories, production in other garment units across Ashulia remains unaffected.

Conversations with workers and factory management highlighted the growing struggle to cope with rising inflation on current wages. Workers are demanding a 15% annual wage increase, payment for unused leave, and a minimum monthly salary of Tk 25,000 to meet basic living standards. Dissatisfaction over existing pay structures has compelled workers to suspend work and join protests.

Superintendent Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan stated that while the workers are actively protesting for higher increments, their demonstrations remain non-violent. The industrial police are working closely with all stakeholders to resolve the situation through dialogue and restore normalcy in the region.