Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Torture, Arrest, and Unjust Layoffs of Garment Workers in Rupganj, Bangladesh

Paris, France; April 11, 2025: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the brutal baton charge and unlawful arrest of garment workers in Rupganj on April 9, 2025, during a peaceful demonstration by law enforcement agencies. The incident, which resulted in the injury of at least 35 workers and the arrest of 10 workers, highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse of power and disregard for basic human rights. Furthermore, the unjustified layoffs of workers without prior notice are an affront to workers' rights and the principles of justice and fairness guaranteed under both national and international law.

JMBF asserts that this brutal act of torture, as well as the arrests during the peaceful procession, carried out by the police, industrial police, and military personnel, constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights. The right to peaceful assembly, enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), was blatantly violated when workers, who were peacefully protesting against the unjust layoffs and delayed wages, were subjected to violence by state forces.

In addition, JMBF believes that the UDHR, under Article 21, guarantees the right of every individual to participate in peaceful assemblies. Article 7 of the ICCPR further affirms that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The actions of the joint forces on that fateful day directly contravened these core principles of international human rights law, leaving workers with physical and emotional scars.

Robert Simon, the prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, firmly stated, "The abuse of power and the violation of the right to peaceful protest are the hallmarks of a repressive regime that disregards its citizens' dignity and humanity. This incident in Rupganj is a clear testament to how law enforcement agencies have strayed from their duty to protect and serve the people, turning instead to violence and oppression."

JMBF also stated that the unlawful layoffs of workers without prior notice or justification represent a direct breach of labor laws and the basic principles of fairness and justice. Such actions by employers are not only a violation of workers' rights but also a denial of their dignity and livelihood. Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees every person the right to work, free choice of employment, and just and favorable conditions of work. Employers must adhere to these international norms by respecting workers' rights to fair treatment and lawful dismissal procedures.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, a distinguished Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and the Founder President of JMBF, strongly condemned the actions of both the employers and the law enforcement agencies, stating, "What occurred in Rupganj is not just an isolated incident; it is part of a broader pattern of systemic oppression faced by workers in Bangladesh. The arbitrary layoffs without notice and the use of force, as well as the arrest of peaceful protesters, are clear violations of labor rights and human rights, and those responsible must be held accountable. It is essential that the government upholds the rule of law and ensures justice for these workers who have been subjected to grave injustices."

JMBF calls for immediate and comprehensive investigations into this incident. We demand that the authorities ensure that those responsible for this excessive use of force are held accountable and that the victims receive justice and proper compensation.

JMBF also urges the immediate and unconditional release of the arrested workers and the dropping of the charges brought against them.

Furthermore, we urge the government of Bangladesh to ensure the protection of workers' rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and protection from arbitrary dismissal.

In light of the gravity of this situation, JMBF calls upon the international community, including the United Nations and the European Parliament, to closely monitor the situation and to press for immediate reforms to safeguard workers' rights in Bangladesh. The respect for human rights and the protection of workers' dignity must remain central to the values that guide us as a global community.

JMBF is closely monitoring the incident and stands in solidarity with the affected workers.

Thank you.

Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus

Chief Coordinator & Member of the Executive Committee

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

Email: jannatul.ferdaus@jmbf.org 

Website: www.jmbf.org

Fact in Brief (According to Information Received from JMBF Reliable Sources and Reports Published in Several News Media in Bangladesh):

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at least 35 garment workers were injured when joint forces carried out a baton charge on protesting workers of Robintex Bangladesh Ltd., located in the Aukhabor area along the Dhaka–Sylhet highway. The clash occurred after demonstrations over layoffs and issues related to salary and bonuses escalated into a larger protest.

The conflict began when workers blocked the highway around noon to protest the dismissal of fellow workers. As the authorities attempted to restore normal traffic flow, a clash broke out between the workers and the joint forces.

It was reported that the factory had declared a temporary shutdown after partially paying March salaries and Eid bonuses. Additionally, several workers were laid off without prior notice. When the factory reopened on Tuesday, April 8, workers raised demands including the reinstatement of the laid-off employees. As their demands were not met, they staged a sit-in protest inside the factory.

The protest resumed the next morning on April 9, and tensions escalated by noon when workers came out and blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway, causing severe traffic congestion in both directions.

At this point, members of the police, industrial police, and army attempted to disperse the protesters, resulting in clashes. The baton charge by the joint forces left at least 35 workers injured, who were treated at various local hospitals. At least 10 garment workers were detained at the scene.

Md. Biplob, a worker at Robintex, stated, “We were protesting peacefully over unfair dismissals without notice, partial payments of salary and bonuses, and irregular work hours. But without any provocation, the police and army attacked us. Around 30–35 workers were injured in the assault.”

Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Islam said, “Although we tried to calm the workers, they started throwing bricks and stones. To bring the situation under control, law enforcement carried out a baton charge.”

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JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.