Sumi is a female garment worker residing in Sobhanbagh, Savar Upazila, Dhaka district. On 04.06.2022, she joined Pacific Blue Jeans Wear in Savar as a Senior Operator. While working in this factory, she discovered through an ultrasound report on 11.07.2024 that she was pregnant. When she informed the factory administration, they harassed her in various ways and eventually terminated her employment on 21.10.2024.
Sumi’s only source of income was her garment job. However, when she naturally became pregnant and informed the factory authorities, instead of providing any support, they harassed her and unlawfully terminated her employment. Losing her job left Sumi in distress, as she needed financial security for both her health and household expenses. Eventually, she was forced to vacate her rented house and seek shelter at her in-laws’ home.
Millions of women work in the garment sector in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. However, these workers often face discrimination, with female workers suffering the most. According to the Bangladesh Labour Act, a pregnant worker is entitled to maternity leave and benefits, consisting of 16 weeks (8 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth). However, Pacific Blue Jeans Wear factory blatantly violated labor laws by denying Sumi her maternity leave and benefits. Feeling helpless, she shared her plight with her neighbors, but she was unsure of what to do next. Eventually, a neighbor informed her about SRS’s activities, and she applied for legal assistance.
Upon receiving Sumi’s application, the SRS legal team contacted her directly and requested all her medical documents. Sumi sent her ultrasound report and necessary factory-related documents to the SRS office. On 20.11.2024, the SRS legal team sent a grievance notice to the Managing Director of the factory, demanding her immediate reinstatement. Additionally, a separate complaint letter was sent, urging the factory to ensure Sumi’s maternity leave and benefits per labor laws. After receiving the complaint letter, the factory authorities contacted Sumi and reinstated her job. Later, on 31.12.2024, the factory provided her first installment of maternity benefits, amounting to BDT 33,000. The management assured her that the remaining amount would be paid after childbirth.
Sumi wants to ensure a good education for her only daughter, as she does not want her child to endure the hardships she faced. She stated, “My daughter is currently studying in a madrasa, but if she ever wishes to enroll in a school, I will support her decision. I hope my unborn child will be born healthy. After giving birth, I want to return to work. I also hope that SRS will continue to stand by female workers like me so that no one else has to face such harassment.” She also said, “No female worker should be deprived of maternity benefits.”
