All Garment Factories In Bangladesh Reopen

All garment factories across the country reopened today (Sunday-September 15), says a statement issued by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

However, factory owners have issued a stern warning, stating they may shut operations again if disruptions persist, citing security concerns.

For the past two weeks, garment manufacturers have been caught between opening and closing factories due to ongoing worker unrest in various industrial zones, including Ashulia.

To address the situation and ensure uninterrupted operations, the BGMEA organised a consultation meeting at their headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, involving the government and worker representatives.

During the meeting, labour leaders voiced multiple demands on behalf of workers but urged them to avoid being influenced by external instigations and to focus on production. They also called on the government to take a firm stance in maintaining order.

Representatives from the military and law enforcement agencies assured participants that they are working diligently to resolve the labour unrest, emphasising the importance of maintaining stability for the sake of the national economy.

Labour and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud assured that the government would address legitimate demands from the workers, but alleged that a neighbouring country, which is Bangladesh’s primary competitor in the export market, is conspiring to sabotage the country’s garment industry.

The four-hour-long meeting concluded with factory owners issuing a clear statement: if the government fails to ensure security, they will shut down operations indefinitely under Section 13(1) of the Labour Act.

In response, Industrial Affairs Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan warned that any group attempting to destabilise the country by forcing factory closures would be remembered by the government.

Several speakers highlighted concerns that external actors are trying to exploit the labour unrest for their own gain.