Hundreds Jobless Mid-Month as Mukul Knitwear Shuts Down in Gazipur, Despair and Tears
On Wednesday morning, workers arrived at work to find a notice at the main gate of the factory announcing its permanent closure, expressing frustration and disappointment. They are now left jobless in the middle of the month and are feeling lost.
The Director of Mukul Knitwear Limited, Md. Moinul Islam Mukul, stated that a written application has been submitted to the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Factory and Establishment Inspection for the permanent closure of the factory.
The application mentions that the company, which has long been involved in garment exports to international markets, has recently been facing a severe financial crisis due to the global economic recession, a shortage of orders, rising production costs, and a severe lack of financial capability. As a result, it has become impossible to run the factory's operations, leading to the decision to permanently shut it down.
However, the factory authorities have stated that they will ensure the payment of workers' dues in accordance with relevant laws and regulations after discussions.
As usual, workers arrived at the factory in the morning, only to find the notice of permanent closure. The disappointment was evident on their faces.
Quality Inspector of the factory, Md. Sagar Ali, said, "If the authorities cannot run the factory, there is nothing we can do. However, according to labor laws, we must be paid our dues."
Worker Md. Jewel Rahman said, "The factory was closed on December 16. Today, when I came to work, I saw that it has been permanently closed. Now, where will we go? I have rent and shop dues to pay. How will I pay my children's school fees?"
Sewing department operator Nazma Begum said, "We don’t know anything. We came in the morning and found out the factory has been permanently closed. We don’t even know the reason behind it."
