Several hundred workers of Benson Apparels Ltd in the Tejgaon industrial zone staged a demonstration on Friday, demanding immediate payment of their overdue salaries, including fringe benefits. The agitated workers brought out a procession early in the morning and
marched towards BGMEA Bhaban in the city.The garments workers said they were not paid for the last two months, causing immense sufferings for them and their families. Wahid, an agitator, said that they had gone to the factory on Friday morning to get their salaries, but the authorities concerned assured them that their dues would be cleared on Sunday.The assurance, however, failed to placate the workers. “The authorities had given such assurances several times earlier. But they did not stick to their word. Today, we came to get our salaries but are returning home with empty hands. It has become difficult for us to run our families,” Selina Khatun, another worker of the factory, said.
“I have been unable to pay my house rent for the last two months. The landlord has threatened to evict me if I fail to pay him his dues this month. If that happens then my family and me will be forced to live on the road,” Julekah Begum, another worker, said.
The workers said that if immediate steps were not taken to pay their salaries, it would be difficult for them to observe Eid with their families.
They threatened to suspend work and continue the agitation till their demands were met.
-With The Independent input
