Workers protest for pay hike at CEPZ

Workers of a company at Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) staged a protest for two hours this morning, demanding a nine percent pay increase.

The demonstration of Premier 1888 Limited workers was held near the factory gate and in front of the CEPZ Administrative Building.

In recent days, workers from at least seven factories in CEPZ have staged similar demonstrations over wage-related grievances. Abdus Sobhan, executive director of Chattogram EPZ, said members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed to maintain order.

"Most workers returned to their workplaces after holding meetings with the factory owners. However, a group of workers from Premier 1888 Limited continued their protest for a pay hike," Sobhan said.

"We have held meetings with the factory owners and workers, and we are hopeful that the situation will normalise soon," he added.

Meanwhile, over 50 workers were injured yesterday in a clash between employees of Merimo Limited and JMS Limited within CEPZ.

According to CEPZ sources and the industrial police, workers from several factories have been protesting since last week, demanding wage increases and other benefits.