Workers from three factories under the Canadian-owned Gildan Group have been on strike for the fifth consecutive day in Ashulia, Savar, following the death of Tajmina Khatun (25), a pregnant swing operator at SDS International in Nayarhat. Tajmina died on October 13 while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
On Sunday morning, protesting workers took to the Nabinagar–Chandra Highway, demanding justice and accountability from the factory authorities. When they attempted to block the road, police and army personnel intervened to disperse them. The protests initially began at Gildan Active Wear BD Limited in Palashbari before spreading to Gildan Garments Limited in Jamgara and SDS International in Nayarhat. All three factories have since been closed by management.
Workers alleged that despite Tajmina’s deteriorating health during pregnancy, the authorities denied her leave or medical assistance. When colleagues tried to raise funds for her treatment, management reportedly obstructed the effort. “She died because they ignored her suffering,” said one protesting worker, calling for punishment of those responsible.
The demonstrators also accused recently appointed foreign officials of engaging in discriminatory and exploitative practices within the factories. They warned of escalating their movement if immediate action was not taken.
Members of the Industrial Police, Bangladesh Army, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the area to maintain order. Attempts to contact officials from Ashulia Industrial Police-1 for comment were unsuccessful
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