Most factories operational in Savar as worker unrest subsides

Most garment factories in Dhaka's Savar industrial area were operational on Tuesday, with workers reporting to work on time in the morning and no reports of any untoward incidents after days of unrest.

Industrial Police-1 officials said their jurisdiction included 1,863 factories producing garments, pharmaceuticals, leather goods and other products; of these, 1,446 factories were operational. 

Meanwhile, 19 factories were closed for various reasons, including 17 factories shut indefinitely. 

Most of the closed factories belong to the garment sector, and they remain closed due to worker protests and other demands.

Worker unrest in the Savar and Ashulia emerged due to various demands, but the overall situation has been gradually returning to normal since the start of this week. 

To maintain order, additional forces have been deployed and surveillance has been increased.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, said the situation was largely calm and most factories were operational.

Sarwar Alam, superintendent of police for Industrial Police-1, said work was ongoing in most factories and no untoward incidents had been reported. 

"Seventeen factories are closed under Section 13(1), one under Section 12(1) [of the Bangladesh Labour Act] and one due to its authorities declaring a general holiday. Some of these factories may reopen by noon. Overall, the situation in the industrial zone is normal."