Unethical demands by a section of workers have sparked unrest at the Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari, forcing five foreign-owned factories to shut down over the past two months.
The EPZ currently hosts 26 factories employing around 35,000 workers. Of these, seven foreign-owned factories account for nearly 31,000 workers.
The most recent shutdown occurred on Tuesday, when workers’ protests led foreign-owned toy manufacturer Sonic (Bangladesh) Limited to announce an indefinite closure.
Previously, four other factories were shut down following similar patterns of worker agitation. Although those factories reopened after nine days upon workers’ request, repeated unrest has raised serious concerns among investors.
Uttara EPZ Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Jabbar told the TIMES of Bangladesh that since October, a section of workers has been placing “Illogical and disruptive demands,” destroying workplace discipline.
“Owners are becoming exhausted and, in some cases, compelled to close factories,” he said.
Citing an example, he said Sonic authorities dismissed two workers following labor law and company policy. Instead of discussing the issue with management, the dismissed workers spread rumors and discouraged other workers from joining work.
“Wages and benefits in this EPZ are fixed and strictly regulated. No owner can reduce or increase them at will. Workers join knowing this. But after some time, they start comparing with other factories and initiate protests,” he added.
However, dismissed Sonic worker Mominur Rahman told the TIMES a different story. “I have worked in this company for eight years. I was terminated without any reason,” he said.
“I believe I was fired because I spoke up for workers’ rights,” he added.
He further claimed the dismissal was an act of retaliation for previous worker movements. “I have the right to know why I lost my job. Our 9-point demand must be accepted, otherwise we will intensify our movement,” he warned.
Workers said Sonic laborers began a peaceful protest three days ago, demanding reinstatement of the dismissed workers and enforcement of a 9-point charter of demands. The situation escalated on the third day, leading the company to declare an indefinite shutdown.
On Tuesday, workers marched from the EPZ’s main gate to the Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner’s office, where they held a two-hour sit-in and later submitted a memorandum.
Workers alleged that although the owners previously agreed to a 26-point demand, several Bangladeshi senior officials were blocking implementation.
They also accused those officials of corruption, denying sick leave, withholding overtime payments, and threatening workers who raised concerns. They claimed two workers were dismissed last week “without justification.”
The company, on the other hand, stated that a section of workers began staging sit-in protests inside the factory demanding higher wages and benefits. From November 16, they reportedly delivered “anti-government and provocative speeches,” causing production disruption and security threats.
Although the management met workers on November 17 and assured solutions, workers refused to return to work.
To maintain safety and order, Sonic authorities invoked Section 12(1) of the Bangladesh EPZ Labor Act 2019 and issued a notice on Tuesday afternoon, signed by company director Su Yangbao (Polo), declaring the factory closed indefinitely. The notice cited production disruption, illegal work stoppages, and rising security risks.
EPZ Executive Director Abdur Jabbar said, “For weeks, some workers have been raising irrational demands, causing unrest in multiple factories. Owners are repeatedly being forced to shut operations. We are trying to resolve the situation quickly.”
Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman told the TIMES that a committee has been formed to investigate workers’ complaints.
“We will hold discussions with both sides and ensure a quick resolution,” he added.
