The apex trade body also urged the government to provide adequate security to run the garment factories amid the ongoing unrest
Foreign buyers are concerned about the ongoing unrest in the readymade garments (RMG) sector and they are not placing new orders for the time being, said Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
“The damage that has happened is that the buyers are holding orders. They will not be placing new orders if the situation continues,” he said in a press conference at the BGMEA office in the capital’s Uttara on Sunday (12 November).
“We are trying to explain to them [buyers] that only 5% of factories are affected [by the unrest] and we are trying to find a solution.”
Faruque also said the new wage board should become effective before the election, so that the issue of polls does not come in between.
“We will officially inform [the government], in this regard.”
The BGMEA president said 130 garment factories are closed as of Sunday.
Pointing out that new recruitments will create an additional burden on the factories, Faruque said, “If a factory has more work pressure, it will get the work done from other factories that have less work.
“It will maintain a balance and the overcapacity that has been created will be mitigated somewhat.”
However, the BGMEA president could not provide any information about the amount of financial loss due to the ongoing unrest.
BGMEA seeks adequate security for factories
The apex trade body also urged the government to provide adequate security to run the garment factories amid the ongoing unrest.
Speaking at the briefing, the BGMEA president said, “We urge the government to identify those who are conspiring against the industry and take necessary measures. We also request adequate security to ensure the smooth operation of our industries.”
He further said, “We have noticed that despite the increase in wages, various factories are being vandalised in the name of movement. Following the announcement of new wages, some unidentified people unleashed destruction inside several factories.”
Expressing deep concern, Faruque Hassan said it is disheartening to witness various subversive activities surrounding the country’s RMG industry, which is already grappling with the dual challenges of global pressures and financial strain.
He said the authorities can keep the factory shut to protect the industry and assets until the workers put an end to vandalism of factories as well as the law enforcement agencies ensure adequate security.
Senior leaders of the BGMEA were present at the press conference.
