Keya Group has laid off 739 workers and employees at four factories in the Jarun area of Gazipur's Konabari, bringing the total number of job losses in two rounds to more than 1,300.
This morning (20 October), many workers gathered at the gates and broke down in tears after finding their names on lists of affected workers posted by factory authorities at their gates around 10:30pm last night.
The layoffs affect the company's Knit Composite Division, Spinning Division, Cotton Division and Keya Yarn Mills Limited.
In the first round in September, the company laid off between 613 and 627 workers and employees.
Among those affected is Abeda Begum, who worked as a cleaner at the factory for nearly 19 years.
"After working for so many years, I am finally being sent away empty-handed," she said.
Yasmin Begum, an operator in the sewing section who had worked at the factory for 18 years, said she is uncertain how she will support her family after losing her job.
"I have been working at this factory for 18 years. Now that I have lost my job, I do not know how I will manage my family," she said.
Swapna Begum, another operator in the same section, also expressed concern about supporting her household.
Nazrul Islam, who had worked at the factory for 10 years, said finding another job will be difficult in the current employment market.
"If I cannot find work, driving an autorickshaw will be the only way left to keep my family going," he said.
Banking complications, gas disconnection cited
In a notice signed by the company's managing director and chairman, the authorities attributed the layoffs to prolonged banking complications and the disconnection of gas supplies over unpaid bills, which they said has disrupted normal production.
The notice also cited excess manpower and the need to reduce production and administrative costs by abolishing positions in different departments and sections.
The company said the layoffs had been finalised under Section 20 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.
Production at the factories has been disrupted since 6 June, when the authorities began announcing successive layoffs amid banking complications and a lack of gas supplies.
After extending the layoff period five times, the company proceeded with the mass layoffs.
Labour groups condemn job cuts
Labour organisations condemned the dismissal of 739 workers through a single notice following five extensions of the layoff period.
Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, organising secretary of the central committee of Jatiya Garments Sramik Jote Bangladesh, termed the move unjust and demanded payment of outstanding wages and lawful compensation.
"Laying off such a large number of workers through a single notice after five rounds of layoffs is unjust. We strongly condemn this and demand the immediate payment of workers' outstanding wages and lawful compensation," he said.
Keya Group Human Resources Manager Sabina Yasmin said the company will pay the affected workers their legal dues within 30 working days in accordance with labour law.
The company also said it will give priority to the affected skilled workers if it resumes recruitment, citing Section 21 of the Labour Act.
Employees whose jobs remain intact will continue under the layoff arrangement and receive benefits in accordance with the law, the company said.
Security tightened around factories
Authorities have strengthened security around the factories to prevent any untoward incidents following the layoffs.
Md Amjad Hossain, superintendent of police of the Gazipur industrial zone (Industrial Police-2), said Industrial Police personnel and members of the Gazipur Metropolitan Police have been deployed to maintain law and order and keep the situation calm.