Readymade garment workers protesting the non-payment of wages and benefits by TNZ Group suspended their sit-in demonstration near the official residence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the night of May 20, following a government assurance that their dues would be cleared within seven working days.

According to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has decided to settle the workers’ arrears by selling a washing plant owned by TNZ Group and the residence of the company’s owner in Mohakhali DOHS.

The decision was part of a five-point resolution adopted on the evening of May 20 amid growing protests by workers of TNZ Group.

Other measures include the withdrawal of the blockade in front of Shrama Bhaban, the issuance of a red alert through Interpol to bring the TNZ owner back to the country, and a travel ban on all directors and senior management of the group.

In addition, TNZ’s Director of Finance will remain in government custody until all dues are paid.

Garments Shramik Mukti Andolan central leader Iqbal Kabir confirmed on Wednesday morning that the workers had agreed to suspend their protest following the government’s commitment.

The sit-in, which began around 3:00pm on May 20 near the Kakrail Mosque intersection after a ‘March to Jamuna’, ended at approximately 11:30pm after nearly eight and a half hours. Despite heavy rain, the protesting workers remained at the site until late in the night.

This week’s demonstration marked the third major protest by TNZ workers in recent months.

They had previously held sit-ins in front of Shrama Bhaban from March 23 to 30, and resumed demonstrations at the same location on May 12.

The renewed agitation followed partial payments made before Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment formally confirmed the latest decisions on the night of May 20, reiterating that the workers’ wages and service benefits would be paid within seven working days through the sale of TNZ Group’s assets.

Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), stated that a meeting was held at the Shipping Ministry on Tuesday evening, where it was agreed to sell the washing plant and other properties to raise the necessary funds.

According to Hatem, Tk 200 million has already been paid to workers, while an additional Tk 450 million will be required to clear the remaining dues.