- The factories were shut down four years ago during the Covid-19 crisis
- Severe traffic disruptions on both sides of the highway
Workers of Lenny Fashion and Lenny Apparels, subsidiaries of Hong Kong-based Mast Group, block the Nabinagar-Chandra Highway in Ashulia for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Photo: Dhaka Tribune
Workers of Lenny Fashion and Lenny Apparels, subsidiaries of Hong Kong-based Mast Group, blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra Highway in Ashulia for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding unpaid dues and other benefits.
The factories, located in Dhaka EPZ, were shut down four years ago during the Covid-19 crisis. The workers have been protesting since Tuesday morning, causing severe traffic disruptions on both sides of the highway.
The protesters are demanding three months' worth of unpaid salaries, service benefits, and other dues.
Despite repeated assurances from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza), the workers claim no progress has been made in resolving their issues.
Md Islam, a worker from Lenny Apparels, said: “I am owed Tk44,000, including one month’s salary and other benefits, since the factory closed four years ago. We were promised payment on November 30, but we doubt it will happen. That’s why we have taken to the streets.”
Faridul Islam, organizing secretary of the National Garment Workers Federation, said: “Lenny Fashion and Lenny Apparels were closed in 2021 due to financial crises, but workers’ dues, including service benefits, remain unpaid.”
The industrial police confirmed the protests and said they were working to mediate discussions between the authorities and the workers.
Attempts to reach Abdus Sobhan, the executive director of Dhaka EPZ, for comment were unsuccessful.
Law enforcement personnel remain on standby to ensure the situation does not escalate further.
