Workers Protest Layoffs in Gazipur, Demand Factory Reopening

Garment workers in Gazipur, Bangladesh, staged a protest on June 30, 2025, blocking key roads to demand the reopening of a factory closed due to layoffs. The demonstration, centered in the industrial hub of Gazipur, saw workers rallying against job losses and unpaid wages, highlighting ongoing labor disputes in the region’s garment sector.

The protest began early in the morning, with hundreds of workers gathering outside the factory premises, disrupting traffic on major routes like the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. The workers, primarily from a facility closed under the Bangladesh Labour Act, expressed frustration over abrupt terminations and the lack of clear communication from factory management. Many demanded reinstatement and payment of overdue salaries, citing financial hardship.

Local authorities, including Gazipur Industrial Police, intervened to manage the situation, engaging in discussions with both workers and factory owners to seek a resolution. The garment industry, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, has faced repeated unrest in 2025, with similar protests reported in March and May over unpaid wages and factory closures. These incidents reflect broader challenges, including economic pressures and labor rights concerns in the sector.

Social media posts on X echoed the workers’ grievances, with some users calling for government action to address job security in the garment industry. The protests underscore the need for sustainable solutions to balance worker welfare with the industry’s economic demands.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 30th, 2025

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