In Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj area, a major labour protest over annual leave bonuses has led the management of Ahsan Apparels to announce the indefinite closure of the factory.
The unrest unfolded on Tuesday, 13 January, at the factory located near Siddhirganj Pul. Workers have reportedly been demanding the payment of their annual leave bonuses for several days, citing delays in disbursement despite prior commitments from management.
According to statements from the striking workers, the factory management had set 10 January as the deadline for bonus payments. When this deadline passed without any payment, the workers escalated their demands through a protest, effectively halting factory operations.
In response, the factory authorities issued a notice declaring the premises temporarily unfit for work. The notice cited Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, and officially announced the factory’s closure from Tuesday onwards for an indefinite period.
Inspector Selim Badsha of the Narayanganj Zone-4 Industrial Police (Intelligence) confirmed that the protest was specifically over unpaid annual leave bonuses. He stated that following the escalation, the management had no choice but to close the factory temporarily to ensure safety and order.
Following the announcement, additional law enforcement personnel were deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Authorities have reportedly increased monitoring to prevent any further disturbances and ensure that the situation remains under control.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between labour and management in Bangladesh’s garment industry, where delayed wage and bonus payments often trigger protests. Local labour rights activists have called for a prompt resolution to the dispute to prevent economic losses and safeguard workers’ rights.
Summary of Key Details:
| Date | Location | Factory | Issue | Action Taken | Law Referenced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 January 2026 | Siddhirganj, Narayanganj | Ahsan Apparels | Annual leave bonus unpaid | Factory closed indefinitely | Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, Section 13(1) |
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging both management and workers to engage in dialogue to reach a resolution and resume operations safely.