For more than a year, 42-year-old Nazrul Islam has stood silently at the gate of Mahmud Denim factory in Safipur, Kaliakair, Gazipur. No placard, no slogans—just a quiet, stubborn presence. His only demand: to get his job back.
Nazrul, son of Abdul Hakim from Mymensingh’s Muktagacha, once worked as a production officer in the factory’s weaving section. In 2024, he was dismissed on allegations of “disciplinary violation,” a charge he strongly denies. “I was not involved in any unrest inside the factory. Yet they barred me from entering. I have not resigned, nor collected my dues. Why should I leave?” he told Gonotaar.
Every morning, Nazrul finishes household chores and comes to the factory gate. Through rain and scorching sun, he stands under a mango tree nearby until evening. He briefly goes home for lunch before returning. Workers pass by and see him daily—some stop to ask about his condition, some offer encouragement. “Brother, don’t give up,” a few tell him as they head inside.
At home, the struggle is even harsher. With a wife, two young children, and an elderly mother to support, the loss of income has pushed the family into deep hardship. “Our children’s schooling is uncertain, and every day is a fight to manage expenses,” said his wife, Rubina Akter. “Still, he has not lost hope, and neither have we.”
Colleagues and locals vouch for his honesty. “Nazrul bhai is a good man. We know he was not involved in that incident. It is heartbreaking to see him like this,” said Rahima Begum, a fellow worker. Labor rights activist Selim Hossain echoed the sentiment, adding, “If there are allegations, there should be impartial investigations. Otherwise, such incidents create despair and mistrust among workers.”
Inside the factory, officials remain cautious. One management source, requesting anonymity, told Gonotaar that the matter is still under consideration by the board and hinted that the charges could be reviewed.
Meanwhile, Nazrul continues his protest, turning his personal ordeal into a quiet symbol of resilience. Among Safipur’s labor community, his story has become a powerful example of persistence and faith in justice—one man’s refusal to give up on dignity and livelihood.
