KATHMANDU, June 29: Asia Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environment Victims (ANROEV) has condemned the brutal murder of Shahidul Islam, a popular labor leader associated with the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation. Bangladesh which produces garments for top brands of the world thrives on cheap labor and often a very exploitative work environment. Shahidul Islam was beaten to death while trying to resolve a dispute.

Shahidul Islam died in an assault, allegedly by the strongmen of the owner of Prince Jacquard Sweaters Limited, according to a press statement issued by ANROEV. The attack happened after Shahidul met garment factory employees fighting for unpaid salaries at Sataish Bagan Bari near the Tongi area in Gazipur. Besides the murder of a prominent trade union leader, Ahmed Sharif, 35, a union organizer, was also wounded in the attack.

In the context of the Eid festival, the laborers were expecting their pending wages and legitimately were peacefully pursuing their cause through their leader. “Shahidul stood strongly for the workers and successfully fought for various issues associated with labor rights in Bangladesh. Thousands of workers have benefited from his tireless efforts. This is despite the business accord that has been adopted by the government, corporate and labor institutions in Bangladesh,” said the statement issued by ANROEV.

ANROEV has also expressed concern over the failure of major brands and other procurers reacting strongly to the murder. “Their silence speaks a lot about the larger concerns in the garment sector,” the statement further said, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators and support to the family of the deceased and medical support for those injured in the scuffle.

ANROEV is a coalition of victims’ groups, trade unions and other labor groups across Asia, all committed to the rights of accident and environmental victims and the overall improvement of health and safety at the workplace. According to the statement, all 45 ANROEV members across Asia strongly condemn this violence against the leaders of the working class. “Such violence against workers should not be tolerated in any civilized society,” according to the statement.

 
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