The majority of readymade garment (RMG) factories across various industrial hubs in the country have reopened, according to industry insiders.
The factory units remained closed for two consecutive days due to the ongoing student movement, which subsequently led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister and her fleeing the country.
Industry insiders reported that factories in major industrial hubs like Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Savar, Ashulia, and Chittagong reopened on Wednesday. Although the number of open factories was low on that day, factories in Savar, Ashulia, and Narayanganj were declared closed shortly after operations began.
As of Wednesday, at least 95% of RMG factories had reopened, industry insiders said, noting that from next Saturday, the industrial hubs are expected to return to normal as the law and order situation improves after the interim government takes oath on Thursday night.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Mohammad Hatem, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), stated that operations at the majority of the country’s factories have resumed.
“I hope by next Sunday, production at the factories will be in full swing as the interim government will take oath tonight and the police will return to their duties, which will accelerate the restoration of law and order and boost the confidence of both manufacturers and workers,” he added.
He also mentioned that on Wednesday, with some individuals vandalizing factories without any reason. He added that the army is providing protection currently.
Md Nasir Uddin, vice-president (finance) of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told the Dhaka Tribune that more than 95% of RMG sector factories in the major industrial hubs of the country are now operational.
“Factories in our major hubs, like Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Chittagong, are conducting their production activities. There were some issues at the factories in Savar and Ashulia on Wednesday, but normalcy has returned there as well,” he added.
He also said that the army is always responsive to their calls, which has boosted their confidence, and they expect that the police will join the army in restoring normalcy soon, helping to regain momentum in the industrial hubs.
Industry representatives stated that production has resumed in most RMG factories, including those in the BSCIC Industrial Estate in Narayanganj, with workers returning to their workplaces spontaneously.
However, in cases where there were incidents of vandalism, factory owners announced closures for safety reasons. At least 90% of the total garment factories in Narayanganj are in production, with workers back at work.
BGMEA Vice-President Nasir Uddin said that almost all garment factories in Chittagong have reopened, and the production process is running at normal speed as workers have returned.
He also emphasized that the RMG sector of Bangladesh is a family of at least 4 million workers, and they do not want factories to be closed for any reason.
RMG factories in the industrial areas of Konabari, Kaliakair of Gazipur, Savar, and Ashulia have reopened, and hundreds of workers have returned to work. However, according to sources, factories in Savar and Ashulia have yet to regain full momentum. Students from local educational institutions were seen guarding the factories.
On Wednesday, business leaders demanded the immediate restoration of law and order amid reports of looting and burning of factories.
At a press conference organized by the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC-B), they also sought adequate assistance from the army to ensure the safety of their production units.
They welcomed the proposed formation of a new interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
