"Protests condemn 197 killings and arrests of garment workers in Savar", 21 July 2024

In a joint statement, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati President Taslima Akhter and Vice President Anjan Das strongly condemned and protested the unprecedented killings, attacks, cases, arrests, torture and harassment centering the quota movement across the country.

In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday...they said that at present about 197 people have been killed in shooting, 2,657 arrested, about 75,000 are being sued... People's democratic and constitutional rights are being snatched by banning processions, meetings and expressions, including internet and social media. At the same time, people's right to information is being severely eroded due to the shutdown of the internet. All these oppressions are signs of strengthening fascist misrule in the country.

Taslima Akhter said, "As a citizen of Bangladesh, I have never faced such an oppressive and intimidating environment. ’

They also said that the killing of a garment worker named Shuvo Shil in Savar is not acceptable in any way. Shuvoshil, 24, a garment worker, died at Savar Enam Medical College Hospital on Wednesday. At the same time, the death of many students and people including young student Abu Sayeed in police firing across the country has created panic and anger among the people across the country...They demanded immediate publication of the actual number of casualties and an end to repression and torture. [They] demanded justice for all the killings so far, including Shuvo Shil.

They also condemned and protested the attack on Ganasanghati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki from inside the community hospital in Moghbazar on July 19 and the attack on quota reform movement coordinator Nahidul Islam and Chhatra Federation central general secretary Saikat Arif.

They said that after about four days, various establishments including garment factories have been opened. The country's economy has already suffered. Garment workers, day laborers and workers have been affected due to the increase in commodity prices and lack of money in hand, closure of factories. People have suffered due to disruption of bKash, banks, booths and even gas-electricity prepaid and mobile usage and recharge...In this situation, [they] urged to strengthen the security of the garment workers.

They added that garment workers are dependent on overtime beyond their wages. But due to the closure of the factory for a few days, their crisis increased. Leaders among the workers demanded that the workers' salaries should not be cut in any way. [They] called for timely payment of full wages in July.

It is to be noted that layoffs...were going on in various factories including TRZ, Anwar Composite, Season Dresses in Gazipur. All the dues of the workers in these factories have to be paid. The leaders urged not to lay off any factory in this crisis of the country.

They said the workers should remain alert and united so that another life like Shuvo Shil is not lost. The leaders called for an end to unprecedented repression and ensuring normal life.