Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) - By taking various initiatives in recent months, 
the capacity of the Industrial Police has been enhanced, which has helped 
restore discipline in mills and factories in the Khulna region. 

The unit has been effectively handling labour unrest and addressing workers' 
demands with professionalism, which helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere 
between labourers and the relevant authorities.

According to sources, the Industrial Police-6 was formed in Khulna in 2016. 

Initially, officers were stationed at the dilapidated security barracks of 
People's Jute Mills Limited under Khalishpur Police Station, from where they 
managed labour-related issues across the city's industrial zones.

Later, with the establishment of Sub-Zone 2 at Rajghat in Abhaynagar upazila 
in Jashore, officers began covering that district's industrial areas as well.

Due to a lack of proper accommodation, they operated out of an abandoned 
building within Jashore Jute Industries for a couple of years.

Sources said that since April 21, 2025, after taking initiatives by the 
Ministry of Home Affairs, Khulna Industrial Police started to change, led by 
Mohammad Ansar Uddin, superintendent of police (SP) of Industrial Police-6.

Notable progress has been made in solving internal problems, improving force 
welfare, and tackling industrial disputes. Under his leadership, barracks 
have been renovated, dining facilities improved, safe drinking water and 
electricity ensured, and accommodation for officers in Sub-Zone 2 arranged.

Talking to BSS, SP Mohammad Ansar Uddin said that initiatives such as regular 
factory visits, owner-worker meetings, open houses, community policing, and 
awareness campaigns have been intensified to build consciousness among 
workers.

He also highlighted the importance of Export Processing Zones (EPZs), noting 
that Mongla EPZ currently houses 35 industries employing about 1,458 workers 
and plays a vital role in boosting both domestic and foreign investment.

"Recent political strikes and blockades in Bagerhat disrupted ferry 
and road communication to Mongla, hampering EPZ production and export 
schedules, he said this particularly affected Chinese, Korean, and Japanese 
investors. To ensure security, Industrial Police-6 deployed additional forces 
at the EPZ," Ansar Uddin added.

In May 2025, labour unrest forced the closure of the British American Tobacco 
factory in Kushtia Sadar. To restore order, 50 officers were deployed from 
Khulna, and through mediation between owners and workers, the dispute was 
resolved.

Similarly, on June 26, Union Footwear Technology Ltd., operating on the 
leased premises of Daulatpur Jute Mills Ltd, announced a layoff. Workers 
staged a sit-in protest the next day, but thanks to the pre-emptive 
deployment of officers and mobile teams, no untoward incident has occurred.

Industrial Police-6 has also intervened in other cases, including protests at 
Meghna Cement Mills Ltd. and Shahnewaz Sea Foods Ltd, ensuring that wage-
related disputes were resolved through dialogue.
 
Leaders of different civil societies expressed their satisfaction with the 
prevailing environment-friendly atmosphere in mills, factories under Mongla 
EPZ in the Khulna region.

While talking to BSS, Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, president of Greater Khulna 
Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC), said due to taking various logistic 
support, training, and their cordial attitude, it is possible to keep 
business-friendly atmosphere and bring back its previous glory in the 
industrial sector.