Police step in as Bangladesh protests reach leathergoods factory
03/12/2012
Out of respect for the victims of the fire, the government declared November 27 as a national day of mourning and factories across the country closed.
Like many others German-Bangladesh joint venture leathergoods operation Picard Bangladesh Limited, resumed operations on November 28. However, the company said ongoing unrest at nearby garment factories made it impossible for it to operate normally for several days.
When Picard Bangladesh reopened on December 1 with the intention of running at full capacity, protests from garments workers took place outside the factory premises. “They wanted Picard Bangladesh workers stop working and join them in the streets,” the company said in a statement. “However, as the workers wanted to continue working and did not join in the demonstrations, several [protestors] entered the factory premises and damaged property by breaking windows and cars. Ten Picard Bangladesh workers were also injured in the incident. The management immediately arranged for the treatment and first aid of the workers and is happy to report that none of the injuries were severe.”
Police intervened and stopped the protestors from gaining further access to the factory. On Sunday, December 2, it remained closed. The management team has said it views the developments “with grave concern”. The factory operated at reduced capacity on December 3, with a police presence on site. It will return to full production on December 5 if the situation is secure enough.
Picard Bangladesh produces leather accessories for export worldwide. The factory employs 1,200 people and is fully compliant with International Labour Organisation and local government regulations in terms of workers’ rights. The company insists it is “stringent about occupational health and safety measures”.
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