Workers demonstrate at two factories in Ctg EPZ

Workers of two units of Pacific Jeans Group at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) have suspended operations for the past two days, staging demonstrations to protest a police investigation against some of their colleagues and a management decision.

Around 100 workers of Pacific Jeans Ltd began their demonstration in front of the factory gate yesterday morning, blocking the entry of other workers, said officials of the CEPZ.

Workers of the adjoining NHT Fashions Ltd, owned by the same group, later joined the protest, they added.

The workers had also demonstrated on Tuesday, according to the officials.

A worker, preferring anonymity, said police had recently called several workers of these factories over the phone and questioned them about their alleged involvement in the unrest that took place in the EPZ in January.

Meanwhile, the factory authorities recently decided to transfer workers and staff from one sewing line of Pacific Jeans Ltd to other lines as part of a gradual move to vacate an old building requiring renovation, said a CEPZ official.

The decision angered a group of workers, who then instigated others to protest, the official added.

Contacted, CEPZ Executive Director Abdus Sobhan confirmed the incident and said the workers had demonstrated over "trivial issues".

"Although the factory management and police assured the workers that the matter would be resolved, a section of them continued to refrain from work," he said.

The protesting workers left the factory premises around 12:30pm today.

Later, the management issued a notice assuring that no sewing line would be broken up.

The notice, signed by Group Managing Director Syed M Tanvir, also stated that the industrial police had assured the company that no workers of the group would face harassment.