Dhaka – The recently closed Ready Made Garments (RMG) factories of Ashulia, the outskirt of capital, are going to be reopened from Wednesday at the intervention of Prime minister Sheikh Hasina.“As per directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and following of request of workers, the closed factories will be reopened from tomorrow” said president of Bangladesh Garment manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Siddiqur Rahman while briefing the reporters at BGMEA Bhaban at Karwan Bazar yesterday.
The readymade garment owners on December 20 decided to shut down its 55 factories in Ashulia industrial area for an indefinite period under the labour law following work abstention by RMG working demanding higher wages.
The 59 garment factories have been shut down under the provision 13(1) of the labour law, he said.
Asking about whether the workers will receive their salary or not, he did not answered directly. But he said as per laour law, they will take decision.
According provision 13(1) of the labour law, the workers will not be paid any salary during this time.
BGMEA president said that he does not see any connection or involvement of the trade union bodies in this matter. Regarding the labour rights, the BGMEA chief said, all the factory owners would strictly follow the labour law to meet the rights of the workers.
About sacked workers jobs, he said as per law the owners will take their decision.
However he said BGMEA will not interment on cases filed against the workers who were involved in vandalism and destructive activities in the name of movement demanding increase of salary.
He further said the house owners at Ashulia industrial belt will not increase house rent.
If anybody will increase house rent in the areas they will handle the issue.
“If workers face any problem, he/she can claim to the BGMEA or directorate of labour and it will be addressed immediately,” he added. – Staff Reporter
