DHAKA: On 29 December last, a force of 'hired goons and musclemen' attacked the textile workers' union offices in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Four workers were killed outright and another two died later in hospital. In addition about three hundred more were seriously injured, two of whom were reported to be on their deathbeds.
This slaughter happened when workers from the Readymade Garment and Tailoring firm assembled at the offices of their union, the Bangladesh Jatiyo Sramik Federation. Fifty thousand members of the union are involved in a struggle around a three-point charter, including the restoration of 1987 wage levels.
The police have sided with the company thugs, who were armed with sawn-off rifles, revolvers, pistols and bombs. The workers have staged a number of protest actions in response and are seeking support from workers round the world. Protest letters should be sent to the Bangladesh Government, with copies to the union. The workers are demanding the arrest of the murderer(s), compensation for the slain and injured, and restoration of the union office.
Please send messages to:
1. Sheikh Hasina, Hon Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (fax: +880-2 813-244/811-015);
2. Mr Rafiqul Islam Mia, Hon Minister for Home Affairs, People's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka (fax: +880-2 864-788; and copies to:
Iqbal Majumder, President Keranigoni Garment factory, Darji Sramik Karmachary Union, 15A Purana Palta (3rd floor), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh (fax: +880-2 832-358).
[Source: Forum on Labor in the Global Economy]