RMG leaders demand tougher govt action as unrest closes 167 more factories

Leaders of the ready-made garment industry have called on the interim government to take firm action, as unrest primarily caused by "outsiders" led to the closure of 167 factories in the Ashulia, Savar, and Gazipur industrial areas on Wednesday (4 September).

In a meeting with stakeholders and law enforcement representatives at the BGMEA Uttara office today, apparel industry leaders said the workers from the 167 closed factories were not involved in the protests.

They expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies, including the Army, Police, Industrial Police, and intelligence units, for carrying out drives against those responsible for inciting unrest.

BGMEA leaders reaffirmed their commitment to keeping factories open. However, they emphasised the need for tougher measures and called on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to issue directives ensuring their safety and security.

The Industrial Police arrested three people for vandalism in Ashulia's Zirabo area. They were identified as Tufaial Ahmed, Akramul Haque, and Tamim Hossain, according to industrial police sources.

In a media briefing following the meeting, BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam said the unrest has been largely fueled by external groups, with only minimal internal issues within the factories. 

"These outsiders present significant challenges to the smooth operation of the factories," he added.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib said the current problems extend beyond the apparel sector, also impacting other industries such as pharmaceuticals.

"The unrest is not originating from the workforce. When factories manage to fend off one group of outsiders, another often arrives to continue the disruption, resulting in further factory closures," Rakib said.

The BGMEA has sought the intervention of the chief adviser to protect the industry and the broader economy.

Entrepreneurs seek CA's intervention

At a views-exchange meeting on Wednesday afternoon, former BGMEA president Kutubuddin Ahmed said the BGMEA should directly approach the chief adviser, as he would likely understand the gravity of the situation and offer clear instructions to ensure that all parties adhere to the necessary protocols.

"Any individual who engages in vandalism can no longer be considered a worker," he said.

Kutubuddin Ahmed urged the BGMEA to engage with labour leaders and encourage them to publicly declare that those involved in vandalism are not workers and have no affiliation with the ongoing unrest.

AK Azad, managing director of Ha-Meem Group, said factory owners should make a unified decision to keep factories open on Thursday to deter potential vandalism. 

He suggested that, if necessary, factories could temporarily close for a day to strengthen safety and security measures.

Azad urged the BGMEA board to establish a fund to support factory owners in paying workers' due salaries during challenging periods and offered to personally contribute a loan to this fund. 

He also called on the Industrial Police to take proactive steps to effectively address the situation.

Omar Faruque, managing director of CS Lee Knit Composite, who was assaulted by outsiders on Tuesday in front of his Ashulia factory, said, "For the past three days, outsiders have been attacking my factory, hurling bricks and stones, despite our workers being peacefully at work. This situation forced us to declare a holiday."

He alleged that certain labour federation leaders and dismissed workers from other factories were involved in the unrest. 

Faruque also advocated for the implementation of a "no work, no pay" policy during periods of unrest.

Former BGMEA president Rubana Huq expressed concerns over the lack of coordination, noting that actions are being taken haphazardly. "What worries me most is why we are turning against each other," she said.

She highlighted the significant support the industry received from the Industrial Police during the pandemic and emphasised that the industry should now stand by them. 

"Why aren't we addressing the involvement of outsiders? Who benefits if the garment sector is plunged into chaos?" she questioned.

Huq also pointed out that orders are shifting from Bangladesh to India and Pakistan, indicating that the situation has deteriorated. 

She stressed the urgency of holding immediate discussions with key figures, including the chief adviser, to stabilise the situation.

Former BGMEA President Anowarul Alam Parvez said that the workers' demand for an increase in attendance bonuses is not a legitimate issue but rather a movement driven by external groups. He called for a firm response to such activities.

Expressing disappointment over the inability, he cautioned that disruptions in this sector could have a severe impact on the economy.

Former BGMEA president SM Fazlul Hoque discussed the challenges facing the garment industry, pointing out that foreign interests are infiltrating from nearby regions. 

He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to safeguard the sector, highlighting the significant efforts made to achieve their current standing.