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A demonstration of readymade garment workers – employed by the Magpie Group – that started on Friday evening in front of company Managing Director Majumder Arifur Rahman’s residence in the capital’s Uttara area, continued on Saturday.
The workers are demanding due wages, and the reopening of a factory. Arifur is participating in the upcoming BGMEA polls, scheduled on March 9, for a directorial post from the Forum Panel.
Speaking to The Business Post, a protester said on condition of anonymity, “Magpie Knitwear, a sweater factory, announced closure on January 4 without paying workers dues. Though workers are yet to get wages for three-four months, owners paid only one month’s salary on Thursday.
“Besides, many are yet to get even this amount. This is why we took to the streets in front of the owner’s residence.”
The Business Post tried to speak to the Magpie Group Managing Director Majumder Arifur Rahman on phone for comments on the matter, but he did not respond till the filing of this report.
Commenting on the matter, Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abul Hasan said, “Many workers have taken up positions in front of the Magpie Group owner’s residence demanding due salary and reopening of a factory.
“They had previously held a demonstration on the same issue. No untoward situation has occurred as yet this time. The BGMEA is taking action in this regard.”
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said, “The Magpie Group has been facing trouble for a long time, and their workers had previously held demonstrations demanding due wages.
“I heard that the workers took to the streets in front of the Magpie Group managing director’s residence, but it is not clear what happened there. Allow us some time to get the details, so that the BGMEA can try to resolve this issue.”
