On June 19, 2023, under the banner of “Malda Beka Yuva Bachao Samiti,” we submitted a deputation to the Malda DM office, demanding employment for local unemployed youths in Ambuja and other factories in Malda and the regularization of their jobs.
Initially, the DM office was reluctant to accept the deputation. Our legal advisor, Advocate Asfak Ahammed, then contacted P B Selim (IAS). After his direct communication with the Malda DM, the DM office agreed to accept the deputation. Subsequently, the GM of DIC and the ADM (LR) arrived at the DM office for discussions with us.
In the meeting, they assured us that a discussion with the Ambuja authorities would take place on July 12, 2023, after the Panchayat election results, and we would be informed accordingly.
When July 12 passed without any update, I reached out to the GM of DIC via WhatsApp but received no response. On July 26, 2023, I spoke with the GM of DIC over the phone, and he informed me about a meeting scheduled with the company later that afternoon.
Despite the supposed meeting, no further updates were provided by any officers regarding Ambuja. Repeated calls and messages to them about the issue went unanswered.
On July 24, 2023, some Ambuja workers staged a protest demanding an eight-hour workday. As a result, they were all suspended from work.
The Malda police then intervened, with an officer suggesting that the workers submit a deputation to the IC of Malda police station. Following this advice, on July 25, 2023, the workers submitted a deputation to the Malda police station. During discussions with police officials and factory authorities, it was agreed that a meeting with Ambuja authorities would be held on August 3, 2023, to address the workers’ demands.
(The Facebook post link regarding this matter is in the comment box.)
As the date approached, there was no sign of any preparation for the meeting. On August 2, 2023, I WhatsApped the IC of Malda police station to inquire about the meeting scheduled for the next day but received no reply. Advocate Asfak then called the IC, who refused to take responsibility for the meeting.
Faced with this situation, Advocate Asfak informed P B Selim (IAS) again, and I notified the Labor Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam. Samirul took swift action, contacting all relevant officials to ensure the meeting with Ambuja was not canceled and that the workers’ issues were addressed.
As a result, at around 9:30 PM, Sawood Alam from the DM office called to confirm that a meeting would take place the next day, i.e., today, at the DM office.
This morning, numerous officials, who had previously been reluctant to hold the meeting, were present at the DM office. The meeting proceeded, and the Ambuja authorities were compelled to reinstate all the suspended workers, who will resume work tomorrow. The DM of Malda also assured that within the next seven days, appropriate steps would be taken to address the workers’ remaining demands.
This achievement marks a significant victory for Advocate Asfak Ahammed and highlights the effectiveness of the trade union formed to protect the interests of Bengali and indigenous workers. Branches of this union will be established in every district, with the aim of creating a historic movement for the rights of Bengali and indigenous workers.
Lastly, as Samirulda often says, critics will always criticize, but they seldom contribute to meaningful work. It is through our actions that we respond to their critiques. Our work stands as the best response to any criticism.
(All Facebook links are in the comment box.)
Jai Bangla, Jai Goram, Johar.