How Ctg RMG sector prevented Ashulia-like unrest

Infographic: TBS

While Dhaka's Ashulia and Savar have been reeling under intense worker protests recently, things are running smoothly in Chattogram, where RMG factories are operating without a hitch, thanks to preemptive measures.

While some workers have staged protests demanding unpaid wages, there have been no significant disruptions such as factory shutdowns, attacks, or vandalism.

According to sector insiders, factory owners, labour unions, and industrial police have worked together with workers for the past few weeks to prevent potential turmoil. Special monitoring teams have been established to ensure smooth factory operations.  

Data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) show that Chattogram is home to approximately 350 garment factories affiliated with BGMEA and Export Processing Zone (EPZ), employing around 7,00,000 workers.

"In the face of the recent unrest in Ashulia, Savar and Gazipur, efforts are underway in Chattogram to coordinate among factory owners, workers, and labour union leaders," Syed Nazrul Islam, first vice president of BGMEA, told TBS.

However, political instability and reduced orders are causing delays in salary disbursements at some factories. Efforts are underway to clear the arrears, he said.

Ranjit Barua, Industrial Police Chattogram's Assistant Superintendent of Police, told TBS, "We are actively working to ensure that Chattogram avoids the turmoil seen in Ashulia and other places."

"Seven special teams are on duty to address any unrest swiftly. We have intelligence support and are working with other agencies and forces," he added.

Minor protest over unpaid wages

On 2 September, workers of Sanzi Textile Mills Limited, a garment factory owned by Well Group in Chattorgam's Kalurghat industrial area, staged a protest demanding the payment of overdue salaries for July and August.

The factory employs approximately 1,350 to 1,400 workers.

However, the protest was quickly quelled when police and BGMEA representatives intervened, assuring the workers that the factory owners would address the issue.

Shahadat Hossain, joint general secretary of Bangladesh OSK (Oven, Sweater, Knitting) Garment Textile Workers Federation, told TBS that workers in Chattogram are advocating for a 10-point agenda, including wage increases for garment workers. However, they do not engage in any actions that result in harm, such as vandalism, looting, or road blockades.

The workers' 10-point demands include — readjusting wages, adding a 50% dearness allowance, implementing a low-cost rationing system, halting wage cuts and dismissals, repeal of all unfavourable laws and regulations, and addressing misconduct and corruption within the Labour Department and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.

Industry insiders said that the export sector has faced multiple disruptions since the quota reform movement intensified in July, leading to delays in the shipment of goods. Many garment owners have been forced to use air freight, resulting in significant financial losses.

Garment factory owners expressed concerns that the current situation undermines trust with foreign buyers. Factories across the country, including Chattogram, are witnessing slow order placements by buyers.

Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, vice president of BGMEA, told TBS, "New clothing orders have dropped by 10-20% due to recent factors like student-led mass uprisings and floods. Factory owners are struggling, but those in Chattogram are working hard to manage the situation and prevent any incidents."

Mohammed Shamsul Azam, managing director of Renown Apparels Limited in Chattogram, said, "Chattogram garment owners are already grappling with a multifaceted crisis, and ongoing political unrest has made the situation worse."

Shamsul Azam, a director at BKMEA, added that if labour unrest escalates, it could pose risks to both factory owners and workers, potentially leading to job losses.

"The workers are aware of the situation and we hope to see an end to these difficulties soon," he added.