The government has set up a temporary control room in the city to avoid any possible labour unrest in the apparel sector, officials said.The control room has been established at the Dhaka district office of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) at Purana Paltan.It will remain open from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm daily until August 21.Over the last several years, the export-oriented sector has witnessed labour turmoil over payment of salaries and bonuses before two major festivals — Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Azha.”To take necessary steps instantly to check any possible untoward incidents in the readymade garment (RMG) sector, we have set up a control room,” labour inspector of DIFE ABM Golam Parvez told the FE.Usually, unrest among garment workers takes place ahead of the two major religious festivals over salaries and bonuses, which creates an awkward situation for the government, he said.However, no labour unrest has been reported in the sector to date, he added.”We are monitoring the situation round the clock. There is no possibility of labour unrest this time. Still, we have been on alert,” said a high official of the DIFE.To avoid any untoward incident, the government and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exports Association (BGMEA) have strengthened security measures at the garment hubs in Dhaka, Tongi, Ashulia, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Chattogram, said an insider.
