At least 4,899 garment workers have been fired from their jobs in the aftermath of recent labour unrest over their wage disparity, according to the latest data of the Industrial Police.

They worked in different factories located in Ashulia, Gazipur and Narayanganj that witnessed labour movement for review of their new pay structure announced in November last year, officials said.

Labour leaders, however, claimed that the figure would be more than 7,000.

Garment workers in Ashulia, Gazipur, Tongi, Savar and Narayanganj industrial hubs took to the streets and continued their movement from December 09 to January 13 in protest against wage disparity among different grades.

Labour leaders also alleged that workers were still being victimised for joining the agitation, as apparel makers have filed cases against 'unidentified' accused, resorted to 'mass' dismissal of workers and put many in the process of dismissal.

Former general secretary of IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC) Babul Akhter said more than 30 cases were filed in Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar against 5,000 to 5,500 workers while more than one hundred have been arrested.

IBC general secretary Shalauddin Shapon said more than 7,000 workers have been fired from their jobs. "This time, the numbers of terminations, cases and arrests have crossed the previous records," he added.

Workers who are associated with trade unions and previously raised their voice in the factories for their rightful demands are being targeted for cases and termination, he alleged.

"This is a very worrying situation. In most cases of termination, laws are not being followed and workers are being deprived of lawful benefits," Mr Shapon said.

Moreover, cases filed against 'unknown' accused have created a panic among workers, he added.

At the tripartite meeting held on January 13, apparel makers and government have assured the workers that no innocent workers would lose jobs and be harassed, the IBC leader pointed out.

In a separate statement, the IBC demanded an immediate end to termination and harassment of workers.

It also urged the government to take immediate measures to this end.

When asked, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Md Siddiqur Rahman reiterated that no innocent workers would be harassed, saying that this is not acceptable.

He, however, said that apparel makers have the right to terminate workers for various reasons in line with the labour law.

"The issue of termination must be dealt with as per labour law," he said, adding that BGMEA will take action against the factories if it is proved that they harassed any innocent workers.

munni_fe@yahoo.com