19 November 2020

Workers of A-One BD Ltd, a closed factory of Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) have been staging a sit-in programme demanding arrears of 10 months.

During the past two days, around 700 workers of the factory gathered in front of Ashulia Press Club for the sit-in which took place from 10am to 4pm.

The demonstrators said that at least 1,100 workers of the factory, which is owned by an Italian named Alessandra Ferry, have been living in a dire situation as they haven't been paid in the last 10 months. Neither the factory authorities, nor the BEPZA authorities or the government have taken any responsibility for their payment, said workers.

The factory has remained closed since March, when the pandemic hit Bangladesh. Wages have remained unpaid since January, the workers said, adding that they have been running from door to door of DEPZ authorities to get the arrears.

Asraf Ali, a worker, said they have held several demonstrations and DEPZ officials have assured them at least 18 times that the arrears will be paid...