Bangladesh’s leading denim exporter, Pacific Jeans Group, has announced the indefinite shutdown of all eight of its factories inside the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) following three consecutive days of worker unrest, vandalism, and violent clashes.
The suspension of operations took effect on October 16, after a section of workers from Pacific Jeans Ltd allegedly initiated a work stoppage on October 14, disrupted power connections, and compelled others to join a walkout. The unrest soon spread to other factories, leading to large-scale chaos and damage to property.
In official notices signed by Managing Director Syed M. Tanvir, the company cited violent confrontations among workers, assaults on officials, and an unsafe work environment as reasons for the closure. Despite repeated management instructions to resume duties, protests continued through October 15 and 16, resulting in further clashes between protesting and non-protesting employees.
Factory assets were vandalised, and several officials were reportedly physically assaulted during the violence. The company stated that, given the “unstable and unsafe situation,” it had become impossible to continue production. The shutdown is aimed at ensuring the safety of workers, staff, and assets, with operations to resume only when a peaceful environment is restored.
Pacific Jeans Group—one of Bangladesh’s largest denim exporters—employs over 35,000 workers across its eight units: Pacific Jeans Ltd, Pacific Jeans Ltd-2, Jeans 2000, Universal Jeans, NHT Fashions, Pacific Accessories, Pacific Workwear, and Pacific Attires.
