The Garment Shramik Trade Union Kendra held a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Friday, demanding the payment of full Eid bonuses, all outstanding arrears, and half of the salary for March by the 20th of Ramadan.
Presided over by union President Advocate Montu Ghosh and moderated by central committee member Dilip Das, the rally was addressed by General Secretary Sadekur Rahman Shamim, Vice President Ziaul Kabir Khokan, and other central leaders.
During the demonstration, Advocate Montu Ghosh stated that while a general election has been held following a mass uprising built on the sacrifices and lives of workers, the working class remains deprived.
He noted that, contrary to promises, a new wage structure for garment workers has not been established, nor have initiatives been taken to increase wages.
Ghosh further alleged that “oppression” continues through factory closures without settling dues, large-scale layoffs, and the failure to adjust wages to market prices.
He criticised factory owners for seeking loans from the government as a condition for fulfilling their responsibilities instead of ensuring timely payments.
General Secretary Sadekur Rahman Shamim remarked that although workers had high expectations that the previous interim government would resolve their crises, the government’s actions – aside from publishing some documents – did not reflect these hopes.
He urged the new government to avoid “mockery” and immediately initiate a wage hike consistent with the cost of living. He also demanded the introduction of a factory-based ration system.
Labour leaders highlighted that January wages remain unpaid in some factories and that layoffs are ongoing.
They questioned the integrity of owners who claim to be facing losses and a lack of orders while simultaneously forcing workers into day-and-night overtime and high production targets.
The speakers also called for government intervention to stop the “General Duty” tactic used by owners to exploit workers during Eid holidays.
They urged owners to abandon the “old strategy” of paying a small sum instead of a full bonus at the last minute to maintain a healthy industrial environment.
Following the rally, the union announced a programme of protest rallies and marches across all garment industrial areas on 6 March 2026 to press for their demands.
The event concluded with a procession that moved past the Kadamful Fountain and Topkhana Road before ending at the Purana Paltan intersection.
