Keya Group has recently announced the termination of 739 officers and employees across four factories situated in Jarun, Konabari, Gazipur, marking the second phase of job cuts in these facilities.
The decision was publicized through a notice displayed at the primary entrances of the factories late on Monday evening. The impacted sectors include the Knit Composite Division, Spinning Division, Cotton Division, and Keya Yarn Mills Limited under the group’s umbrella.
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Mohammad Amzad Hossain confirmed the layoff of 739 workers and shared a copy of the notice with The Daily Star. In response to the situation, law enforcement has been stationed at the factory gates to ensure order and security.
The factories had been operating under layoff conditions since June 6 due to financial complications and unresolved gas utility bills. The layoff duration had been extended multiple times. Notably, in the initial round on September 8, 627 employees were let go.
The recent notice, authorized by the factories’ managing director and chairman, cited the need to curtail production and administrative expenses amidst banking challenges, gas supply disconnections due to outstanding payments, and surplus workforce compared to operational needs. Consequently, various roles across departments and divisions have been eliminated.
Under Section 20 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, the excess staff are scheduled to be relieved from duty starting October 20, with their rightful compensations to be disbursed. Workers assembled outside the factories yesterday to review the roster of affected individuals.
Yasmin Begum, a sewing section operator with 18 years of service, expressed concerns about sustaining her family post-termination. Similarly, Abeda Begum, a cleaner with 19 years of tenure, lamented being compelled to depart after dedicating a significant portion of her career to the factory.
Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, organizing secretary of the central committee of Jatiya Garments Sramik Jote Bangladesh, criticized the mass layoffs at Keya Knit Composite, highlighting the abrupt termination of 739 workers following multiple layoff rounds. He urged prompt settlement of outstanding dues and fair compensation for the affected employees.
Sabina Yasmin, the human resources department manager at Keya Group, assured the media that all entitled dues of the laid-off workforce would be settled in compliance with labor regulations.
