Ripon Knitwear Workers Protest and Vandalize Factory Over Unpaid Dues

Workers at Ripon Knitwear Limited in the Konabari Zarun area of Gazipur launched a two-day strike starting Wednesday, demanding unpaid night shift allowances and annual leave compensation. The protest escalated on Thursday morning when workers reportedly vandalized factory property and assaulted several staff members.

According to labor sources, the unrest began Wednesday at noon. Although workers briefly dispersed that evening, they gathered again at 8:00 AM on Thursday. Tensions rose as workers argued with administrative staff over the delays, leading to physical altercations and damage to factory equipment.

"We work until 11:00 PM or midnight daily, but our night bills aren't paid correctly," said an anonymous operator from the cutting section. "Even during Ramadan, we are required to work late hours without fair compensation."

Md. Saddam Hossain, Administrative Officer of Ripon Knitwear, stated that despite prior assurances, the workers continued their protest. The situation eventually stabilized on Thursday afternoon after management committed to clearing the three-month night shift arrears and annual leave dues by Sunday.

Mizanur Rahman, in-charge of the cutting section, described a narrow escape: "The protesters attacked the staff and began vandalizing the premises. I had to hide within the factory to stay safe."

Inspector Md. Morshed Zaman of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 (Konabari Zone) confirmed that additional Metropolitan Police were deployed to restore order. "The protest subsided once the factory began distributing the outstanding night shift payments at approximately 3:00 PM," he said.