Textile workers protested on Tuesday afternoon demanding an increase in their wages. Workers working in various textile mills located in Kathalia Union, an area dominated by the textile industry of Narsingdi Sadar Upazila, took part in the protest rally.

The agitating workers said that they have been working on the same wages for almost eight years, but the wages of textile workers have not increased even though the prices of all products have increased. They have been weaving cloth for a long time at 1 30 paise per yard. Today's movement to demand an increase of 50 paise in wages.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Kathalia Union Jatiya Sramik League declared solidarity with the workers in order to realize their fair demands. Kathalia Union National Labor League President Jahangir Alam Bhuiyan, General Secretary Ruhul Amin, Adviser Rakibur Rahman Manju, labor leaders Md. Momen and Sumon spoke on this occasion. Textile mills workers along with leaders of Kanthalia union branch of Jatiya Sramik League also spoke.

The speakers said that due to the increase in the price of goods, it has become difficult to run a household with the amount of remuneration received by weaving cloth at a predetermined price. In this context, various labor organizations including the National Labor League of Kathalia Union have been requesting the textile owners for a long time to demand an increase in wages of 50 paise per yard. But the owners have been arguing without paying attention to their words. As a result, thousands of textile workers have come to the streets to demand an increase in wages by closing down more than half a hundred factories in order to save their lives.

He led them from the front lineMadhavadi Press Club vice-president and senior labor leader Mashiur Rahman Siraj.

At this time, the speakers also said that the workers are struggling to support their families due to the rise in commodity prices. Many are burdened with debt while taking loans from various NGOs while running the family. As a result, the family is living an inhumane life. In this regard, they approached various labor organizations including the owners.

In view of their demands, we had sent a letter to the owner side giving 7 days time to sit down with the textile owners and workers to reach an amicable solution. But the owners did not pay attention to this and instead started threatening and intimidating the workers in various ways. Therefore, we are expressing solidarity in the struggle of the workers to realize their one-sided demands. At that time, they ordered to close all the textile mills of Kathalia Union until the demands of the workers are met. They said that if any owner disobeys their instructions and keeps their textile mill running and any untoward incident takes place, then the Kathalia Union Jatiya Sramik League will not be held responsible.

Later, a protest march circumambulated various important places in the market and ended at Balur Maidan. A team of Madhavadi police station provides round-the-clock security to prevent untoward incidents.
- Kazi Mehbub Yasin | Senior Correspondent: