Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati along with labour representatives of 22 factories, affected in an alleged financial fraud by an Australian brand, on Saturday held a demonstration and submitted a memorandum to the Australian High Commission in Dhaka.
Pressing for the return of money allegedly embezzled by the Mosaic Brands Limited, they raised a five-point demand for protection of workers and the readymade garment industry from fraud and trial of the Mosaic Brands in international court.
Labour leaders and workers鈥� representatives of the affected factories held a rally in front of the Australian High Commission and gave a memorandum to its deputy high commissioner, said a press release.
The deputy high commissioner assured the protesters that the high commission would look into the matter, adding that it, however, would involve a complex legal process.
On behalf of the protesters, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati president Taslima Akhter said that the workers of Bangladesh hoped that the Australian government would take immediate action to ensure payment of the workers鈥� dues and protect the 22 affected factories.
She called for trial of the Mosaic Brands under international law and immediate return of Tk 250 crore to Bangladeshi workers and 22 factories.
The ZAS Apparels factory was closed as the Mosaic Brands did not pay its dues for the last three years, she said, adding that many other factories were also at the risk of closure.
Their five-point demand included criminal investigation against the Mosaic Brands for fraud, legal action against those involved in the financial fraud, compensation to the affected workers and 22 factories from the Australian government.
Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati vice-president Anjan Das, general secretary Mizanur Rahim Chowdhury, and worker representative of 22 factories Moin Ahmed, women worker representative Ribon Begum, among others, were present at the rally.
Taslima Akhter and representative of the affected workers Abdul Malek handed over the memorandum to the high commission.
