Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity President Taslima Akhter called for an end to worker layoffs blamed on energy shortages at a rally outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday. The gathering demanded uninterrupted gas and electricity supplies, full implementation of the Labour Act 2026, a wage board and protection against dismissals. Akhter said workers would suffer most if production declines because of gas and power disruptions.

Akhter, also a member of the 2024 Labour Reform Commission, said the burden of industrial mismanagement or an energy crisis must not be placed on workers. She urged swift action to protect both industry and workers. She also said the Labour Act 2026 would remain limited to paper if its provisions were not implemented, citing union rights, safe workplaces, protection from discrimination and harassment, and workplace justice.

Speakers said more than 100 factories had closed over two years after the mass uprising, leaving about 40,000 workers unemployed. They said the livelihoods of around 4 million garment workers depend on gas and electricity supplies. After the rally, participants marched around the Paltan area. Organizers urged the government to direct owners against layoffs and sought jobs and social protection for displaced workers.