The Knit Composite Division and MP Sweaters Limited companies of Keya Group laid off 2,203 workers in the Jarun region of Gazipur city two months prior to the formal closure announcement. After being given this notice, workers and employees in the Konabari (Jarun) neighborhood of the city started to demonstrate at the main factory gate and within the premises on Monday at around nine in the morning. They requested that they be paid in full in accordance with labor laws during the protest. The issue was verified by Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Mohammad Abu Taleb of the Gazipur Industrial Police on Monday, March 3. In accordance with Section 26 of the Bangladesh Labor Act, he said, 2,203 employees received notifications of termination from the plant management on Thursday. Protesters on Monday morning demanded that all unpaid wages be paid.
The notice states:
“This is to inform all workers and employees of Keya Cosmetics Limited (Knit Composite Division) and MP Sweaters Limited, located in Jarun, Konabari, Gazipur, that as per the prior notice dated 31/12/2024, the factories were scheduled to be permanently closed from 01/05/2025, following a 120-day notice period. However, due to unresolved banking complications, the following workers and employees are being permanently relieved from their duties two months earlier, effective from 01/03/2025, based on the previously issued notice (dated 31 December 2024).”
The notice further states:
“All due payments to the relieved workers and employees will be provided within the next 30 working days as per labor laws. If the complications are resolved, priority will be given to re-employing the affected workers and employees. Disabled individuals and pregnant women are exempt from this notice.” Shawkat Hossain the Keya Cosmetics’ Manager (Administration) stated that 2,203 workers have been terminated under Section 26 of the Bangladesh Labor Act. All due payments to the relieved workers and employees will be made within 30 working days following termination, in accordance with Section 26 of the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006 (amended in 2015).
Source: Dhaka Tribune
