Keya Group has laid off 739 workers and employees across four of its units in the Jarun area of Konabari, Gazipur, in a second phase of job cuts. The management cited banking complications, unpaid gas bills and excess manpower as reasons for the decision.
A notice announcing the layoffs was posted at the main gates of the factories around 10:30pm on Monday. The affected units are Keya Knit Composite, Keya Spinning, Keya Cotton and Keya Yarn Mills Limited.
Workers gathered in front of the factories on Tuesday morning to check the list and many were left disappointed upon finding their names. Having lost their jobs after working for a long time, they face uncertainty over family maintenance and future livelihoods.
According to the authorities, dues will be paid to the laid-off workers in accordance with the labour law. However, no specific timeline for the payments was provided.
Sabrina Islam, Admin Officer of Composite section at Keya Group, told TIMES that they are unable to open Letters of Credit (LCs) due to complications in settling accounts with banks. Consequently, raw material imports, production and product exports are being disrupted. If they cannot export, repaying the bank’s dues also becomes difficult. Under these circumstances, they were forced to make the decision to lay off workers. She further said that nearly 1,000 disabled workers are employed at the institution, and the authorities are also concerned about their employment in the current situation.
The National Garment Workers Federation has protested the mass layoffs, raising concerns over workers’ employment and rights.
To prevent any untoward situation, police have been deployed at the main gates of the factories. Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police, confirmed the deployment.
