Opsonin workers block road in Barishal protesting retrenchment

Bangla Press Desk: Workers of Opsonin Chemical Industries in Barishal have continued their protest for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday to protest the retrenchment of over 500 employees.

The agitated workers gathered in front of the factory early morning and blocked the road, demanding reinstatement of their jobs.

Workers from other industrial establishments in Barishal also joined the protest in solidarity.

Company authorities said the layoffs were a result of the shutdown of a section of the factory.

The terminated workers allege that the management plans to replace them with new hires at lower wages.

“Our monthly salaries ranged between Tk12,000 and Tk16,000. First, we were told to take three days off, and then we received termination letters by post,” one worker said.

“We’re struggling to survive with our families. If our jobs are not reinstated, we’ll be left destitute,”he said.

Monisha Chakraborty, Barishal district coordinator of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD) expressed solidarity with the workers, saying, “The dismissal of 500 workers in such an inhumane manner has thrown their families into crisis. Barishal’s workers are now united in the fight for their rights.”

BP/SP