RMG Leaders Call for Stronger Government Action as Unrest Shuts Down 167 More Factories

Leaders of the ready-made garment (RMG) industry have urged the interim government to take decisive action after unrest, primarily instigated by "outsiders," led to the closure of 167 factories in Ashulia, Savar, and Gazipur on Wednesday (4 September).

In a meeting with stakeholders and law enforcement officials at the BGMEA Uttara office today, industry leaders emphasized that workers from the 167 affected factories were not involved in the protests. They expressed their gratitude to law enforcement agencies, including the Army, Police, Industrial Police, and intelligence units, for their efforts in addressing those responsible for inciting the unrest.

BGMEA leaders reaffirmed their commitment to keeping factories open but stressed the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of the industry. They called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to issue directives aimed at protecting factories and restoring stability in the affected industrial zones.

Arrests and Ongoing Unrest

The Industrial Police arrested three individuals in Ashulia's Zirabo area for vandalism. The arrested individuals—Tufaial Ahmed, Akramul Haque, and Tamim Hossain—were identified by sources within the Industrial Police.

During a media briefing after the meeting, BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam noted that the unrest had been largely driven by external groups, with only minor internal issues within the factories. He highlighted the significant challenges these "outsiders" pose to the smooth operation of garment factories.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the disturbances were affecting not only the apparel sector but also other industries such as pharmaceuticals. He stated that the unrest was not originating from the workforce itself. "When one group of outsiders is pushed back, another arrives, leading to further factory closures," Rakib said.

Appeal to the Chief Adviser

The BGMEA has appealed to the chief adviser for intervention to protect the industry and the wider economy. At a views-exchange meeting on Wednesday afternoon, former BGMEA president Kutubuddin Ahmed stressed the importance of directly engaging with the chief adviser. He expressed confidence that Dr. Yunus would understand the gravity of the situation and provide clear instructions to ensure that all parties adhere to necessary protocols.

"Anyone who engages in vandalism can no longer be considered a worker," said Ahmed, urging the BGMEA to work with labor leaders to publicly distance themselves from those involved in the unrest.

Unity Among Factory Owners

AK Azad, managing director of Ha-Meem Group, encouraged factory owners to make a unified decision to keep factories open on Thursday, as a way to deter further vandalism. He suggested that, if necessary, factories could close temporarily to strengthen security measures.

Azad also proposed that the BGMEA establish a fund to support factory owners in paying workers’ wages during periods of unrest. He offered to personally contribute a loan to this fund and called on the Industrial Police to take more proactive steps to control the situation.

Firsthand Accounts of the Unrest

Omar Faruque, managing director of CS Lee Knit Composite, recounted being assaulted by outsiders in front of his Ashulia factory on Tuesday. He explained that, despite his workers peacefully continuing their work, his factory was attacked with bricks and stones for three consecutive days, forcing him to declare a holiday.

Faruque alleged that certain labor federation leaders and dismissed workers from other factories were involved in the violence. He advocated for the implementation of a "no work, no pay" policy during times of unrest, to discourage further disruption.

Concerns About Coordination and External Influence

Former BGMEA president Rubana Huq raised concerns about the lack of coordination in addressing the unrest, stating, "What worries me most is why we are turning against each other." She pointed to the strong support the industry received from the Industrial Police during the pandemic and emphasized the need to stand by them now.

Huq also questioned why the involvement of outsiders in the unrest was not being adequately addressed. She warned that the chaos in the garment sector could benefit external parties and noted that orders were already shifting from Bangladesh to India and Pakistan as a result of the instability.

The Broader Impact on the Economy

Former BGMEA president Anowarul Alam Parvez dismissed the workers' demand for increased attendance bonuses as illegitimate, asserting that the movement was driven by external groups rather than factory workers. He called for a strong response to such activities to protect the sector from further disruptions.

Parvez warned that prolonged instability in the garment industry could severely damage the economy, given the sector’s significant contribution to national exports and employment.

Former BGMEA president SM Fazlul Hoque echoed these concerns, highlighting the threat posed by foreign interests infiltrating the sector from nearby regions. He called for stronger collaboration between industry leaders, law enforcement, and the government to safeguard the industry’s future.

Conclusion

The unrest in the Ashulia, Savar, and Gazipur industrial areas has created a significant challenge for the ready-made garment sector, with over 167 factories forced to close due to external interference. While the BGMEA has expressed confidence in law enforcement's efforts, industry leaders are calling for stronger government intervention to restore order and protect one of the country’s most critical economic sectors.

As the BGMEA and factory owners work to address the ongoing unrest, the call for unity and decisive action remains strong. With concerns about both internal challenges and external influences, industry leaders are hoping for swift government action to stabilize the situation and prevent further disruptions to the sector.

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