In Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj industrial area, a labour dispute over annual leave allowances has prompted the management of Ahsan Apparels to announce an indefinite closure of the factory. The unrest escalated on Tuesday (13 January) at the factory premises near Siddhirganj Pul, disrupting normal operations.
Workers present at the scene told reporters that they had been demanding timely payment of their annual leave bonuses for several days. The management had previously set a deadline of 10 January to release the payments. However, as the deadline passed without any settlement, the workers resorted to protest action within the factory compound.
In response, the factory authorities displayed a notice citing “unsuitable working conditions” and invoked Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, formally declaring the factory closed indefinitely from Tuesday onwards.
Speaking to the press, Selim Badsha, Inspector (Intelligence) of Narayanganj Zone, Industrial Area Police-4, confirmed the situation. “The workers were staging a protest demanding their annual leave allowances. Given the escalation, the management opted to close the factory indefinitely,” he said. He added that additional law enforcement personnel had been deployed to the area to maintain order and ensure the safety of both workers and the surrounding community.
According to local sources, the factory closure has caused significant disruption in the immediate industrial zone, with traffic congestion reported near the premises. Labour rights groups have also taken note of the incident, urging a swift resolution through dialogue between management and employees to prevent further unrest.
A summary of the situation is presented in the table below:
| Aspect | Workers’ Position | Management Response | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Leave Allowance | Demand for timely payment | Delay cited; working conditions deemed unsuitable | Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, Section 13(1) |
| Factory Operations | Desire to continue work | Indefinite closure from 13 January | Labour law provision invoked |
| Security Measures | Concern for safety | Additional police deployed | Law and order maintenance |
The indefinite shutdown raises concerns over potential economic impact on the workers, many of whom rely solely on their monthly wages and bonuses for livelihood. Industrial observers note that a negotiated settlement between management and labour representatives will be essential to restore production and normalcy in the Siddhirganj garment hub.