Shipbreaking workers demand wages, Eid bonuses by 25th Ramadan
Shipbreaking Workers Demand Wages and Bonuses Before Ramadan
Workers in Chattogram’s shipbreaking industry are demanding the full payment of their March wages and Eid-ul-Fitr bonuses by the 25th of Ramadan. The Shipbreaking Workers’ Trade Union Forum organized a rally to voice these demands, warning of intensified protests if their requests are not met. The workers assert that their legal rights under the Bangladesh Labour Law entitle them to timely payments.
Workers Rally for Fair Compensation
On March 21, 2025, shipbreaking workers gathered outside the Chattogram Press Club to demand their rightful wages and bonuses. The rally was led by Tapan Dutta, the forum’s convener and a member of the Labour Reform Commission. Fazlul Kabir Mintu, the forum’s member secretary, moderated the event, which featured speeches from various leaders within the labor community.
Among the speakers were AM Nazim Uddin, joint convener of the forum and president of the Chattogram divisional unit of Sramik Dal, and Advocate Zahir Uddin Mahmud, convener of the Shipbreaking Workers’ Safety Committee. They emphasized the urgency of their demands, highlighting that under Section 111(5) of the Bangladesh Labour Law, workers are entitled to receive their March wages and a festival bonus equivalent to their basic salary before the 25th of Ramadan.
The speakers expressed that the current wages are insufficient to cover basic living expenses, making the Eid bonus essential for many families during the festive season. They urged shipbreaking yard owners to comply with the law and called on the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) to ensure that payments are made promptly.
Legal Rights and Future Actions
The workers’ rally underscored the importance of the Eid bonus as a legal right rather than a discretionary benefit. They warned that failure to provide the bonus would worsen their financial struggles, especially during a time when additional expenses are common due to the holiday.
The forum’s leaders concluded the rally with a strong message: if their demands are not met swiftly, they will escalate their protests. This warning reflects the growing frustration among workers who feel their rights are being overlooked. The shipbreaking community is now watching closely to see how employers and regulatory bodies respond to these urgent calls for compliance with labor laws.
