Garment factory owners have decided to reopen their production units starting today to meet the demands of international clothing retailers and brands for timely shipments.
This decision was made during a meeting of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at its office in Dhaka. A BGMEA director confirmed this in a statement, explaining that reopening is essential for ensuring workers receive their wages. If goods are not produced and shipped on time, buyers will withhold payments, making it difficult for factory owners to pay their workers.
Mohammad Ali Khokon, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, mentioned that he did not instruct anyone to reopen their units but said they could do so at their own risk due to ongoing law and order issues. Initially, garment factories were shut for three days, followed by another four days, due to a student movement that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Industry insiders, exporters, and international brands have expressed concerns over production delays and the suspension of raw material transportation and goods shipment.
July, August, and September are peak seasons for shipping Christmas goods and booking orders for the next summer and spring seasons. Despite the risks, Mohammad Hatem, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), stated that factories would reopen today due to pressure from international retailers and brands for timely shipments.
Garment exporters expect a strong recovery in exports and business as the political situation stabilizes. A BGMEA director noted that reopening factories would also keep workers occupied and prevent them from participating in unrest. Most factories plan to pay workers’ salaries today or tomorrow, and reopening is crucial for this process.
However, factory owners have decided to shut down their units if they sense any unrest to protect their businesses and properties. The recent violence has made it challenging for apparel exporters to send goods through the Chattogram port and communicate with business partners due to an internet blackout.
The BGMEA reported losses of Tk 6,400 crore, while textile millers estimated their losses at over $58.8 million due to the disruptions.
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