Photo: Collected
BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam has decided to reopen all garment factories from Thursday. In recent days, several factories were closed due to ongoing protests by garment workers, with 60 factories shut down today and 35 on Tuesday.
This information was shared during an emergency briefing on Wednesday (September 4) at the BGMEA complex in Uttara, addressing the current labor situation in the garment sector. Senior officials from the NSI, Industrial Police, and the Bangladesh Army were present at the meeting. A formal press briefing will follow.
Meanwhile, at least 60 garment factories in Savar’s Ashulia area were shut down due to continuous protests by workers over various demands. Starting from the morning, protests in areas like Zirabo, Ghoshbagh, Sarkar Market, Narsinghpur, Nischintapur, and Pallibidyut led to the closure of factories for the day.
Workers reported that they have been protesting in various factories for several days over unmet demands. Although some demands were accepted by the owners on Tuesday, they later stated that they could no longer comply, leading to heightened tensions and protests in front of the factories and on the streets.
It was reported that thousands of workers at Ha-Meem Garments reported to work in the morning but were later sent home after the factory suddenly announced a general holiday. This action prompted workers from other factories like Sharmin Garments to join the protests, leading to a general shutdown of all nearby factories in Zirabo, Ghoshbagh, Narsinghpur, and Nischintapur.
Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police for Ashulia Industrial Police-1, mentioned that while workers initially reported to work, thousands took to the streets after a major garment factory declared a holiday. Subsequently, around 60 more factories announced a general holiday. However, no major incidents of unrest were reported.
He added that while some worker demands were initially met in the presence of police and army officials, the factory owners later stated they could no longer comply, which agitated the workers. The situation was eventually de-escalated, and the workers were cleared from the roads.
Messenger/Shahed
