On Sunday 25th June, after leaving a wage dispute meeting with managers at the Prince Jacquard Sweater factory, Shahidul Islam and two other union activists were attacked by a gang and seriously injured, Shahidul fell unconscious and died on the way to hospital.
Shahidul was president of the Gazipur branch of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), the trade union that No Sweat works with in sourcing union-made T-shirts in Bangladesh.
Everyone at No Sweat is shocked and horrified by this brutal killing and our thoughts and condolence go out to Shahidul’s family and comrades.
The attack is suspected to be an attempt to silence workers protests and intimidate the trade unions of Bangladesh into ending their campaigns for workers rights.
If this is the case then they have failed. Babul Akhter, the General Secretary of the BGIWF told No Sweat, ‘The fight for workers’ rights and the activities of trade unions is becoming difficult day by day in our country… We will fight to ensure justice for this murder.’
Shahidul leaves behind two sons and his wife, a former garment worker who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. No Sweat is directing money from our Garment Workers Solidarity Fund to support Shahidul’s family and help the BGIWF in its fight for justice. You can contribute by following the link below.
