Apparel sector leaders expressed on Monday concern over the present ‘volatile’ situation saying that if the stalemate continues, the sector might face losses like stock lot and expensive air shipments.Such a situation would also shake the confidence of the buyers that would be resulted in an image crisis for both the sector and the country.”We have been noticing inadequate vehicles on the roads and highways, although students have returned home from streets creating immense sufferings to the people,” said Md Siddiqur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).The readymade garment sector is facing serious difficulties, he said, adding that export-import of RMG products to and from Dhaka to Chattogram has been hampered.He made the observations while speaking at a press conference organised by BGMEA at its headquarters in the city.Two students of Shaheed Ramiz Uddin Cantonment College were killed in a road accident in the capital on July 29 that sparked a widespread protest demanding road safety across the country.Subsequently, the transport workers have stopped operating vehicles on the roads in fear of getting into trouble.The students have brought the anarchic situation on roads and highways to the government’s notice, the BGMEA leaders said, expressing the hope that the government would meet the demands placed by students for road safety that is the demand of all.Containers remained stuck at the port while finished products are at factories, the BGMEA president said.”As a result, a good number of factories would have stock lot while many have to make costly air shipments,” Mr Rahman fears, adding that the sector would suffer the loss.The apparel makers are expecting work orders for the next season in August, but buyers are cancelling their visit to Dhaka due to the prevailing situation, he noted.Moreover, many investors are coming to Bangladesh, he added.”We don’t want any such situation that hampers day-to-day life and economic activities,” Mr Rahman said.
