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Factories reopen amid unrest in Bangladesh’s garment sector – News

Gillberg
Factories reopen amid unrest in Bangladesh’s garment sector – News

Women work in a garment factory in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Reuters file photo

Women work in a garment factory in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Reuters file photo

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, 4:54 p.m

Most garment factories in Bangladesh reopened on Tuesday, a day after violent protests over a wage hike left one worker dead and several others injured, officials said.

Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest clothing producers and a supplier to Western brands such as H&M (HMb.ST), Zara (ITX.MC) and Carrefour (CARR.PA), has faced widespread protests in recent weeks, leading to the shutdown Dozens of factories.


Industry insiders said the protests had exacerbated an already significant production backlog caused by recent political unrest and devastating floods.

“Most of the factories are open today and everything is going well so far,” said Abdullah Hil Rakib, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). He added that only five or six small factories remained closed because they could not make their payments.



Rakib said unrest in the industry continues, largely due to certain groups spreading rumors and taking advantage of the deteriorating law and order situation.

He called on the government to strengthen security measures as some factory owners are unable to work due to vandalism and ongoing disruptions.

“Stronger security is essential to ensure production runs smoothly and protect our industry,” said Rakib.

A labor ministry official said a separate review committee is currently assessing the industry’s ability to revise the wage structure and is expected to submit a report soon. The government is also reviewing police cases filed against workers to ensure that they do not face harassment, the official added.

Garment factory owners have called on the government to take immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of their operations as the unrest threatens to disrupt an industry that accounts for more than 80% of the country’s export revenue.

Bangladesh was the world’s third-largest apparel exporter last year after China and the European Union, exporting $38.4 billion worth of apparel in 2023, according to the World Trade Organization.

The ongoing unrest comes at a critical time for Bangladesh as the country’s interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has seized control following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.


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