Photo: Collected
Ready-made garment manufacturers have increased working hours by 5 to 6 hours to boost production so they can meet delivery deadlines, as factories were closed during the complete shutdown by students and curfews imposed by the government in connection with the recent student quota reform movement.
Ananta Apparels, one of the largest garment makers, is running its factories from 8 am to 10 pm to minimize losses incurred during the mayhem.
Mezbah Robin, General Manager of Ananta Apparels, told The Daily Messenger, “Normally, our production in a day is 3,000 to 5,000 pieces, but during the shutdown, we couldn't produce a single garment. So, we have to increase working hours to meet the remaining deadlines.”
He added, “For extra working hours, we have to pay huge overtime wages. Besides, there is a shortage of raw materials as Chattogram port is congested.”
Nowadays, most communication with foreign countries is internet-based. In this situation, all industrial activities were closed for four consecutive days. Due to international trade, the country's export sector is facing its biggest crisis. As per export contracts with foreign brand-buyers, goods could not be shipped within the stipulated time.
Some entrepreneurs have had to send products by air at a cost at least 500 times higher. No new export orders are coming in. Some buyers are trying to pay less than the contract price. Late payment or even non-delivery of finished goods is reported by some companies. Many shipments are feared to eventually become stocklots.
Transport companies say there is concern among them until the overall situation in the country returns to normal. Brand-buyers constantly want to know about the situation, but they won't wait for long.
Muhammad Hatem, Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), told The Daily Messenger, “We don't have any option but to increase production. Though we have to spend more, to keep the buyers in Bangladesh, we have to deliver the products as soon as possible.”
Jannatul Ferdush Ara, an export expert, told The Daily Messenger, “The buyers are not agreeing to extend the time. They want their products as per schedule.”
Fatullah Apparels Limited has increased overtime by 5 hours daily. The factory is even open on Fridays. All exporters are trying to send products as soon as possible. They are also using airways, spending high freight charges so that buyers can feel comfortable placing new work orders.
Fazle Ehsan Shamim, Managing Director of Fatullah Apparels Limited, said, “We couldn't send many documents due to lack of internet. I don't know if I will get the money on time. It will be too late to send samples. Because of this, many manufacturers will lose orders. It can be seen that samples from Bangladesh will not arrive on time, but those from India or China will. Buyers will then be forced to choose others. These are long-term problems.”
Messenger/Fameema
