RMG workers demonstrate over Eid bonus, arrears in Narayanganj

Several hundred workers of a readymade garment manufacturer today demonstrated in front of their factory in Narayanganj Sadar upazila demanding full Eid bonuses and salaries for the current month.

Workers of Fakir Knitwear Ltd in Kayampur area also allegedly vandalised two cars -- one of the civil surgeon and another of the upazila health and family planning officer -- during demonstrations, Shaikat Shahin, superintendent of Narayanganj Industrial Police-4, said.

The two officials had come to see what health safety measures were in place at the factory.

The workers began the demonstration when they were told that they will be given 50 percent of Eid bonus and salary for the current month, the police official said.

On information, a team of police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control after convincing factory authorities to pay full bonuses and 50 percent of the salaries,he said.

Talking to this correspondent, Narayanganj Civil Surgeon Dr Md Imtiaz said as six workers of the factory had tested positive for coronavirus, he along with the health and family planning officer came to inspect the factory in line with the health ministry's directives.

At one point, the demonstrating workers vandalised the cars possibly thinking those belonged to the factory owner, Imtiaz said.

"We failed to inspect the factory due to the attack. We will file a case with Fatullah Police Station in this connection," he said.

The factory authority could not be reached by this newspaper despite repeated attempts.