Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory Workers Protest

Workers and employees of Ashuganj Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited (AFCCL) in Brahmanbaria organised a protest assembly and a gate meeting, demanding the implementation of the ‘One Corporation, One Scale’ wage policy and the uninterrupted supply of gas to the factory.

The demonstration took place at 9:00 am on Sunday, 10 August, in front of the factory gate.

Speakers and Organisers

The event was presided over by Bazlur Rashid, President of the AFCCL Workers and Employees Union. Key speeches were delivered by:

Concerns Raised

Abu Kausar, General Secretary of the union, emphasised the critical role of Ashuganj Fertiliser and Chemical Company under the Bangladesh Chemical and Industries Corporation (BCIC) as one of the country’s largest urea fertiliser producers. He highlighted the factory’s substantial contribution to the national economy.

However, he noted that due to frequent gas supply interruptions for most of the year, production has been severely hindered. This disruption has forced the country to increase reliance on imports to meet urea fertiliser demand.

He further warned that the factory is on the verge of collapse. Unlike Ashuganj, two fertiliser factories in Egypt, established alongside it, have increased production from 1,600 tonnes to 2,200 tonnes. Yet, Ashuganj remains shut due to a lack of consistent gas supply.

Wage Disparity Issue

Bazlur Rashid, President of the union, condemned the unacceptable practice of workers under the same corporation receiving different pay scales. Operators and technicians continue to receive wages under the old salary scale, while other workers are paid under the Pay Commission, creating significant inequality.

He urged for the immediate implementation of a 15% special incentive for those under the National Wage Commission, on par with Pay Commission employees.

Demands and Warnings

The protesters demanded:

• Prompt activation of uninterrupted gas supply to the factory,
• Immediate commencement of fertiliser production,
• Uniform salary scale implementation under the ‘One Corporation, One Scale’ principle,
• Rapid enforcement of the 15% special incentive for National Wage Commission workers.

The union leaders warned of a strict agitation if their demands were not met without delay.

Protest March and Submission of Memorandum

Following the speeches, the protesters conducted a rally around the factory premises. They subsequently submitted a memorandum addressed to the Managing Director of the company.