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Speaking to The Daily Star, Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation President Rafiqul Islam Sujan said the company claimed it had carried out the layoffs under Section 20 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

According to the provision, if a company faces a business downturn and a reduction in purchase orders, it may terminate workers beginning with the most recently recruited employees, he said.

He alleged that the company violated the provision by laying off many long-serving workers who had worked there for 10 to 15 years. He also claimed that workers had not received their full lawful dues.

Sarwar Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Garments Workers’ Unity Federation, said, “The company authorities have laid off selected workers at their own discretion. We strongly protest and condemn this.”

Jochhna Begum, who was among the laid-off workers, alleged the company “falsely claimed” reduced purchase orders.

“There are sufficient orders, and many workers have been doing overtime to complete the work,” she said.

“I have worked here for around 16 years, but now I have lost my job. By my calculation, the company owes me more than Tk 2 lakh, but I was paid Tk 1.7 lakh.”

Another worker, Sumitra Rani, said, “I have worked as a helper in the sewing section for more than eight years. But now I have been terminated. My dues were not paid in accordance with the labour law.”

Contacted, Al-Muslim Group Deputy General Manager Md Abu Raihan claimed the layoffs were carried out in accordance with government regulations and company policies.

“We were compelled to undertake the process due to a shortage of purchase orders. However, we will reinstate the workers in future if purchase orders increase,” he told this newspaper.

“All dues of the laid-off workers have been paid properly. If there are any exceptions, we will settle them following due process,” he added.

Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, superintendent of police of Ashulia Industrial Police-1, told The Daily Star, “We are discussing the matter with the factory authorities. The overall situation is now normal.”

Al-Muslim Group’s seven factories employ around 18,000 workers in total. The factories are AKM Knitwear Ltd, Al-Muslim Builders Ltd, Al-Muslim Apparels Ltd, Al-Muslim Garments Accessories Ltd, Al-Muslim Washing Ltd, Al-Muslim Yarn Dyeing Ltd, and Pacific Blue (Jeans Wear) Ltd.