Nearly all 407 garment factories in Ashulia, Savar, Zirabo, and Zirani resumed operations after increased security measures were put in place to address ongoing labour unrest. However, about 15 factories remained closed, with owners enforcing a “no work, no pay” policy under labour laws. Workers have been protesting for over 15 days, demanding better benefits such as higher night allowances, tiffin bills, attendance bonuses, maternity leave, and respectful treatment by senior officials. They also called for compliance with labour laws regarding resignation benefits.
No incidents were reported during the latest protests. Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), expressed optimism that the remaining closed factories would reopen soon, citing improved law-and-order conditions with the deployment of additional police and army personnel.
The unrest has caused production losses for many factories, including Ha-Meem Group, which experienced closures for 12 days in September and 8 days in August. Factory owners are now assessing their losses, with concerns over future orders and the impact on the winter season’s production schedule.
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