A garments factory official died after falling ill during a protest demanding unpaid wages and benefits in front of the ‘Shram Bhaban’ at Bijoynagar, Dhaka today (23 March).
The deceased was identified as Ram Prasad Singh, 40, a senior assistant manager at Style Craft Limited in Joydebpur, Gazipur and hailed from Fulgazi upazila in Feni.
Din Islam, a quality executive at the factory, said Ram Prasad became unwell at around 12:30pm while participating in the demonstration.
“He was first taken to Islami Bank Hospital and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) as his condition deteriorated. After a medical examination, doctors declared him dead at 4:00pm,” he said.
Amir Hossain, a section manager at the factory, said that Ram Prasad Singh had worked at the Gazipur-based garment factory for several years. “Since 2019, wages at the factory have been irregular, with workers receiving only one month’s salary every few months.”
Currently, 14 months’ worth of wages remain unpaid and the workers have been protesting for a long time to demand their dues, and in the last five days, around 250 workers staged a demonstration in front of the Shrom Bhaban in Dhaka, he added.
Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of DMCH Police post, said that the body had been sent to the morgue for an autopsy.
Ram Prasad Singh hailed from Fulgazi upazila in Feni.
American & Efird (A&E), a leading global thread supplier, has officially inaugurated its 24th manufacturing facility in Chattogram. This expansion marks a significant milestone in A&E’s strategy to enhance its global manufacturing network and respond to the growing demand for innovative thread solutions in Bangladesh and throughout South Asia.
Strategically located near Southern Bangladesh’s bustling seaport and financial hub, the new state-of-the-art facility complements A&E’s existing operation in Gazipur. This expansion is expected to boost production capacity, improve service levels, and reduce lead times, allowing A&E to deliver high-quality thread products more efficiently to customers around the world.
The facility’s opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that attracted industry leaders, customers, suppliers, partners, and government officials. Guests were given an exclusive tour of the new facility, where they learned about its advanced technologies and capabilities.
The Chittagong facility is equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and scalable production processes designed to meet increasing market demands. Key features include advanced production lines for spun and filament thread products, dedicated research and development capabilities for product innovation, and sustainability-focused operations aimed at reducing environmental impact. The facility is also expected to create over 350 local jobs, contributing to the region’s economic development.
In addition to manufacturing, the Chittagong facility will serve as a regional hub for innovation, where A&E will focus on developing advanced thread solutions, optimising production processes, and implementing sustainability initiatives.
With this expansion, A&E further solidifies its leadership role in the global textile industry, building on a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1891. The Chittagong facility is poised to play a vital role in the company’s future growth and in shaping the next generation of thread solutions for the textile sector.
Workers from two readymade garments (RMG) factories in Gazipur’s Tongi and Kaliakair have blocked highways to demonstrate over factory shutdown, unpaid wages, and payment of Eid bonuses and overtime allowances.
The protests snapped vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and a regional highway for one and a half hours.
Later, law enforcers went to the spots and brought the situation back to normal.
According to police, workers from BSIS Apparels Limited at Hossain market area in Tongi demonstrated by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway from 7am this morning (23 March), protesting the shutdown of their factory following unrest for several days.
The protest caused severe gridlock on the highway, creating havoc for the commuters. Later, army members went to the spot around 8:45am and persuaded the workers to leave the street by assuring them of payment of their dues.
The workers later took positions in front of their factory, said the police.
According to factory sources, the workers at BSIS asked the authorities to set a date for the payment of their wages for February, Eid bonuses and overtime allowances on 10 March.
Although the factory authorities set 23 March as the payment date, the workers were not satisfied with the decision, which led to their work abstention on 10 March, sources added.
When the workers went to the factory on the morning of 11 March, they found a factory closure notice hanging at the main gate, which resulted in their protest. They withdrew their protest, being assured by police and army members about payment of their dues, and accepted today as the payment date.
At that time, the workers had said they will not join work unless their dues were paid by the factory authorities.
Rehana, a protesting worker, said, “We have not been paid our salaries for February. Besides, the factory authorities were supposed to pay us our Eid bonuses and overtime allowances today. We found a closure notice when we went to the factory in the morning, so we took to the street. Later, we left the street being assured by army and police members.”
Iqbal Hossain, owner of the factory, couldn’t be reached for comments.
Meanwhile, workers at Daeyu Bangladesh Limited in Kaliakair have been staging a protest since yesterday (22 March), demanding leave allowances, Eid bonuses, and tiffin allowances.
The violence occurred when some staff and outsiders chased the workers of the factory away around 9am, resulting in a fistfight between the workers and the outsiders.
The incident left three to four workers injured, who were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. The agitated workers then vandalised the factory premises, said factory sources.
Some other factories declared today a holiday when 400-500 workers from Daeyu Bangladesh Limited went to the factory gates and asked the other workers to join their protest.
The agitated workers vandalised the premises of Lyric Industries Limited when the factory authorities delayed declaring a holiday. A female worker sustained a head injury after a brick thrown by the agitated workers hit her, sources added.
Superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2 AKM Jahirul Islam said, “The workers of the Tongi factory have been moved away from the street after assuring them of paying their dues. Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway is currently normal.”
“Additional police members have been deployed in front of Daiyu factory in Kaliakair. The situation is currently normal, and efforts are being made to solve the issue by discussing it with the factory authorities,” the SP added.
As luxury brands navigate an era of recalibration, the Fall/Winter 2025 menswear season proved that those who challenge conventions with fresh ideas are best positioned to defy the industry’s economic slowdown. With menswear outpacing womenswear in the Italian market and global menswear sales projected to grow from US $ 595.74 billion to US $ 936.94 billion by 2033, designers seized the moment to sharpen their vision. The result? A season that balanced heritage with reinvention, offering collections that resonated with modern consumers while ensuring longevity.
One defining shift was the move away from ‘quiet luxury’. Instead of strict minimalism, designers are gravitating towards modern elegance – honouring tradition while injecting newness into classic menswear. At Zegna, knitwear transcended its usual role, styled as outerwear for a soft yet sophisticated effect, while Dior embraced the house’s archival H silhouette, playing with draped blouses, cinched trousers and structured-yet-fluid tailoring.
This season, the classic suit became a canvas for bold experimentation, with Louis Vuitton and KidSuper deconstructing traditional tailoring and Willy Chavarria opting for oversized checks and relaxed volumes.
Menswear’s rugged spirit was equally present, particularly in the resurgence of Western influences. Unlike previous seasons’ literal cowboy interpretations, designers took a more refined approach with Prada’s scuffed paisley-printed cowboy boots and Hermès’ equestrian-inspired suede pieces hinting at the American West without veering into costume territory. Corduroy suiting at Willy Chavarria and snap-buttoned overshirts at Louis Vuitton spoke of the trend’s adaptability across aesthetics.
Another major shift came in denim, where slim-fitted jeans made a quiet yet confident return. Bluemarble leaned into the 2000s revival with faded washes, proving that denim’s evolution remains key in the modern wardrobe. In outerwear, function met fashion through technical innovation. Rick Owens, Sacai and Emporio Armani doubled down on performance-driven silhouettes, layering textures, pockets and weatherproof details for a utilitarian edge.
Earthy hues like tobacco, espresso and chocolate dominated, punctuated by rich burgundy and deep forest green dominated the runways, whilst Grey and charcoal emerged as the season’s alternative to black.
F/W ’2025-26 reaffirmed that menswear is not merely evolving— it’s expanding, embracing both utility and indulgence, modernity and heritage. Below, we highlight the key trends dictating the season and how you can build these trends into your assortments for success.
Reinterpreting the classic suit
The classic suit is undergoing a bold transformation for Fall/Winter 2025 season, becoming a canvas for innovation and self-expression. Across major runways, designers redefined traditional tailoring with unexpected cuts, textures and proportions, signalling a shift toward a more contemporary, individualistic approach to formalwear.
At Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams and Nigo introduced asymmetrical cuts and experimental fabrics, challenging conventional suiting norms. KidSuper’s Colm Dillane took a more structured route, reimagining striped suits in dark hues with a graphic edge, while, Willy Chavarria leaned into exaggerated silhouettes, incorporating wide-leg trousers and oversized checked prints, making a powerful statement on inclusivity and modern masculinity.
For brands seeking to adapt this trend, the key lies in deconstructing classic tailoring while maintaining wearability. Consider oversized blazers with cinched waists, asymmetrical lapels or hybrid suiting that merge traditional wool with unexpected materials like velvet, leather or technical fabrics. Experimenting with volume— be it boxy shoulders or slouchy trousers— can work well with various demographics.
Technical outerwear
Even after the peak of the gorpcore movement, technical outerwear remains an essential pillar of Fall/Winter 2025 collections with designers continuing to refine performance-driven pieces, balancing function with futuristic aesthetics.
The more utilitarian, the better— think featuring oversized pockets, adjustable toggles, protective hoods and advanced fabrications that reinforce durability and weather resistance.
Sacai embraced a storytelling approach, drawing inspiration from Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, resulting in tactile puffer jackets trimmed with faux fur, earthy tones and UGG-collaborated bear-like boots. Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto and IM Men (Issey Miyake) leaned into alternate, almost dystopian aesthetics, presenting outerwear suited for a post-apocalyptic lifestyle. Emporio Armani and Y-3 doubled down on texture and high-performance materials, catering to urban explorers seeking both practicality and style.
Incorporating elements like weatherproof coatings, modular layering and dynamic silhouettes— whether oversized bombers or sculptural parkas— can make technical outerwear more appealing to a broader audience.
Plaids please
Plaid continues to dominate the upcoming season, evolving beyond its traditional workwear roots with designers exploring a spectrum of plaid interpretations, from bold and oversized to subtle and sophisticated.
Junya Watanabe’s nostalgic approach leaned into the rugged appeal of 2013’s lumberjack-chic aesthetic, pairing large red plaids with utilitarian workwear, while Ralph Lauren and Zegna took a more polished route, weaving classic checks into tailored outerwear and suiting. Hermès introduced an abstract take on the trend, experimenting with effortless colour combinations that added depth and movement to the pattern. Meanwhile, Amiri channelled the 1970s, incorporating vintage-checked motifs into relaxed silhouettes for a contemporary-meets-retro feel.
For brands looking to integrate plaid into their collections, the key lies in reworking proportions, colours and applications. Oversized plaids on outerwear and knitwear offer a bold statement, while micro-checks and tonal herringbones lend themselves well to understated layering. Mixing plaids with modern tailoring, unexpected fabrications or contrasting textures can redefine the trend, ensuring it remains relevant for the season to come.
Faux fur coats
Faux fur coats have emerged as a defining outerwear statement for the upcoming F/W ’25 season, seamlessly blending luxury with contemporary streetwear influences. Parisian runways showcased diverse interpretations, from Sacai’s fusion of plush textures with technical yokes to the urban-inspired designs of 424 and 3. Paradis, which infused faux fur with modern cuts and streetwear detailing. Milan followed suit, with Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana refining the trend through classic silhouettes and superior craftsmanship, reinforcing faux fur’s position as a timeless investment piece. Plush textures in rich, muted hues offered a sophisticated spin on the trend, while exaggerated collars and oversized shapes added drama to outerwear essentials.
In order to derive the most out of this trend, the key lies in balancing opulence with wearability. Play with voluminous cuts for a statement effect or integrate faux fur as panelling in hybrid outerwear pieces for a more subtle approach. Exploring unconventional colorways can further elevate the look, while sustainable sourcing and innovative fabric treatments will appeal to the eco-conscious consumer.
Men in Pink
Pink has emerged as one of the standout colours of the Fall/Winter 2025 season, making a powerful comeback on the men’s catwalks. No longer limited to solely womenswear, pink is a defining colour for menswear this season. From soft pastels to bold hues, designers are embracing pink to challenge traditional gender norms and infuse a sense of modern sophistication into the male wardrobe. This season’s approach moves beyond novelty, integrating pink into structured tailoring, casualwear and statement outerwear.
Kim Jones at Dior reimagined powder pink in elegantly cut silhouettes, using refined tailoring to enhance the colour’s delicate yet confident appeal. Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton collection skillfully showcased pink’s versatility in streetwear, with checkered cardigans that balanced vibrancy with everyday wearability. At Rochas, pastel pink coats with broad shoulders evoked a romantic yet powerful aesthetic, while Maria Koch at 032C took a bold, textured approach, injecting contemporary energy into the hue.
Modern Elegance
As fashion moves away from the rigid codes of quiet luxury, Fall/Winter 2025 embraces a more expressive form of refinement with heritage pieces being reimagined through fluidity, soft tailoring, and an understated grandeur. Designers are blending classic menswear codes with modern ease, creating silhouettes that exude sophistication without the restraint of traditional formality.
This refined aesthetic was particularly evident in Zegna’s collection, where knitwear took centre stage not just as a layering piece but as outerwear itself. Knit-on-knit styling, drapery across the shoulders, reinforced a relaxed yet luxurious sensibility. At Dior, Kim Jones revived the house’s archival H silhouette, introducing effortless sensuality through draped blouses, cinched-waist oversized trousers, and structured yet fluid blazers.
For brands looking to interpret this trend, the focus should be on balancing structure and ease. Incorporating deconstructed tailoring, knit-infused outerwear and fluid layering will ensure collections feel both modern and timeless, bridging classic craftsmanship with contemporary elegance.
Skinny jeans
Slim-fitted denim is making a confident comeback for Fall/Winter 2025-26, striking a balance between streamlined silhouettes and modern wearability. This season’s iteration dials back on the extreme skinniness of past decades, instead favouring a tailored, elongated fit that flatters without feeling restrictive.
Dior’s approach leaned into quiet luxury, refining the cut with premium fabrics and meticulous detailing, ensuring an elevated take on slim denim. Bluemarble injected a Y2K-inspired sensibility, reviving faded washes and vintage hues that recall early-2000s subcultures, while Prada’s vision aligned with the resurgence of the ‘Indie Sleaze’ movement, pairing slim trousers with relaxed velvet blazers for a nonchalant, rock-and-roll inspired aesthetic.
In order to ace this trend, balancing proportions is key. Pairing slim jeans with structured outerwear or oversized knitwear ensures a fresh, wearable contrast. Furthermore, distressed finishes, deep indigo washes and tailored cuts in premium denim can cater to both casual and elevated styling.
Ushering in the West
The spirit of the American West continues well into the Fall/Winter 2025 menswear season as well, but what makes the trend stand out this season is the fact that it is more nuanced than the usual cowboy aesthetics of the past. Instead of predictable Western tropes, designers have woven in subtle yet unmistakable references— think snap buttons, subtle panels over structured shoulder yokes, topstitching, suede and corduroy textures, denim and earthy hues. The cowboy boot remains a key element, though often reimagined with a contemporary twist.
Ralph Lauren, Willy Chavarria, and Louis Vuitton infused their collections with Western influences in sophisticated ways. Leather blousons, suede overshirts and checkered patterns made a strong appearance, offering a refined take on rustic style. Hermès leaned into its equestrian heritage, lining raincoats with cashmere horse blankets and crafting shirts and jeans from soft beige suede calfskin. Chavarria amplified the theme through oversized gingham shirts and corduroy tailoring, while Prada’s injected a modern flair with scuffed paisley cowboy boots and subtly embroidered two-tone sweaters.
For brands looking to integrate this trend, the key lies in paring down a bit— think contrasting indigo denim with warm ochre, experimenting with texture play or introducing Western-inspired silhouettes through structured outerwear and tactile finishes. The goal is to evoke the West without making it feel like a costume.
EuRIC’s Textiles Branch has launched a comprehensive manifesto, outlining critical policy recommendations to drive textile circularity across the European Union by 2030. The “EU Recyclers’ Manifesto” addresses the growing crisis of textile waste, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
With EU citizens generating approximately 16 kilograms of textile waste annually, and only a fraction being properly recycled, EuRIC warns of the severe environmental consequences of continued landfilling and incineration. The manifesto underscores the unprecedented challenges facing Europe’s textile recycling sector, exacerbated by rising costs, diminishing demand, and the rapid proliferation of ultra-fast fashion.
EuRIC Textiles is calling for a multi-pronged approach, including extending the lifespan of textile products, significantly increasing the use of recycled textile fibres, and drastically improving textile recycling rates, which currently stand at less than 1% for new clothing.
To achieve these goals, the manifesto advocates for the implementation of key policy measures by the EU, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, ecodesign requirements, and the use of Digital Product Passports (DPP) to enhance consumer education. Additionally, EuRIC is pushing for EU End-of-Waste criteria, fair-trade practices, balanced chemicals legislation, and stricter compliance monitoring to ensure transparency and combat greenwashing.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union kicked off 2025 with a remarkable 60.9% jump to reach €1.91 billion in January, compared to €1.19 billion in the same month of 2024.
Of these, knitwear exports in the first month of 2025 surged by 64.2%, while woven apparel exports increased by 56.3%, according to data from Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, released on Tuesday (18 March).
In terms of quantity, Bangladesh’s readymade garment exports to the 27-nation economic bloc also witnessed a substantial surge in January 2025, increasing by 58.1% to 126.86 million kilograms from 80.25 million kilograms in the same month of the previous year.
This strong growth solidifies Bangladesh’s position as a key supplier to the European market, driven by competitive pricing, preferential trade facilities under Everything But Arms (EBA), and improvements in production capacity.
The president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Mohammad Hatem, said this growth was ‘encouraging’ for exporters, as it indicated that the market was bouncing back to a positive trend.
“The overall growth had been driven by increased capacity, efficiency, and productivity,” he said.
Hatem also stated that a good number of work orders were shifting from China to other countries, with Bangladesh being one of the key beneficiaries.
He, however, expressed concerns over the slow progress in improving the law and order situation, which he fears can affect buyers’ and investors’ confidence.
The business leader called on the government to ensure adequate supply of utilities including gas and electricity and make it prices at affordable levels to increase exporters competitiveness.
The BKMEA president further noted that not only the EU market but also the US market was improving after a prolonged period of slowdown in business.
Hatem explained that thanks to economic improvements in major markets, consumers were purchasing more apparel items.
Eurostat data showed that the EU’s overall apparel imports from different countries witnessed a significant surge in January 2025, with total imports reaching €8.29 billion, up 31.9% from €6.28 billion in January 2024.
China, the largest apparel supplier to the EU, maintained strong growth, with total exports increasing by 40.9% to €2.38 billion in January 2025.
The country’s knitwear exports to the EU grew by 45.3% to €1.23 billion, while woven exports rose by 36.4% to €1.14 billion.
Bangladesh remained the second-largest apparel exporter to the EU after China.
The EU’s apparel imports from Turkey in January 2025 increased by 5.4% to €874.09 million from €829.21 million in the same month of 2024.
Cambodia’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 surged by 72.5%—the highest among major exporting countries—reaching €420.9 million. Knitwear exports rose by 71.6% to €256.2 million, while woven apparel jumped by 73.9% to €164.7 million.
The EU’s apparel imports from India increased by 44.5% year-on-year, reaching €397.7 million in January 2025.
Vietnam’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 climbed by 34.3% to €398.6 million, with knitwear rising by 26% and woven apparel increasing by 40.7%.
Exporters stated that Vietnam’s steady expansion underscores its appeal as a reliable sourcing hub, benefiting from a well-developed supply chain and free trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which offers preferential tariffs on many textile products.
Pakistan’s apparel exports to the EU grew by 31.9%, reaching €347.7 million in January 2025.
Pakistan’s woven apparel exports to the EU increased by 42.8% to €175.6 million, while knitwear grew by 22.5% to €172.1 million.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union have recorded significant growth in the beginning of 2025, rising by 60.9 per cent to 1.91 billion euros in January, compared with 1.19 billion euros in the same month of 2024.
In terms of quantity, the country’s readymade garment exports to the EU also witnessed a substantial surge in the first month of 2025 increasing by 58.10 per cent to 126.86 million kilogram from 80.25 million kilogram in the same month of previous year, according to data from the Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, released on Tuesday.
The country’s knitwear exports to the 27-nation economic bloc in the first month of 2025 surged by 64.2 per cent to 1.15 billion euros, while woven apparel exports increased by 56.3 per cent to 765.97 million euros, data showed.
Exporters said that this substantial growth solidified Bangladesh’s position as a key supplier to the European market, driven by competitive pricing, preferential trade facilities under Everything But Arms and improvements in production capacity.
They also said that overall apparel imports by the EU rose significantly in January 2025, as consumer demand for clothing increased with declining inflation and falling interest rates.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association former president Fazlul Hoque described the growth as ‘encouraging,’ saying that the industry was rebounding.
He said that, similar to the US market, the EU market was also improving after a prolonged period of weakness.
Fazlul Hoque explained that with the economy improving, consumers were purchasing more apparel, leading to increased demand in the EU market.
Data showed that the overall apparel imports by the EU from different countries in January 2025 witnessed a significant surge in January 2025, with total imports reaching 8.29 billion euros, up 31.9 per cent from 6.28 billion euros in January 2024.
China, the largest apparel supplier to the EU, maintained strong growth, with total exports increasing by 40.9 per cent to 2.38 billion euros in January 2025.
The country’s knitwear exports to the EU grew by 45.3 per cent to 1.23 billion euros, while woven exports rose by 36.4 per cent to 1.14 billion euros.
Bangladesh remained the second-largest apparel exporter to the EU after China.
The EU’s apparel imports from Turkey in January 2025 increased by 5.4 per cent to 874.09 million euros from 829.21 million euros in the same month of 2024.
Cambodia’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 surged by 72.5 per cent—the highest among major exporting countries—reaching 420.9 million euros. Knitwear exports rose by 71.6 per cent to 256.2 million euros, while woven apparel jumped by 73.9 per cent to 164.7 million euros.
The EU’s apparel imports from India increased by 44.5 per cent year-on-year, reaching 397.7 million euros in January 2025.
Vietnam’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 climbed by 34.3 per cent to 398.6 million euros, with knitwear rising by 26 per cent and woven apparel increasing by 40.7 per cent.
Exporters said that Vietnam’s steady expansion underscores its appeal as a reliable sourcing hub, benefiting from a well-developed supply chain and free trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which offers preferential tariffs on many textile products.
Pakistan’s apparel exports to the EU grew by 31.9 per cent, reaching 347.7 million euros in January 2025.
In January 2025, the Pakistan’s woven apparel exports to the EU increased by 42.8 per cent to 175.6 million euros, while knitwear grew by 22.5 per cent to 172.1 million euros.
American & Efird (A&E), a leading global thread supplier, has officially inaugurated its 24th manufacturing facility in Chattogram. This expansion marks a significant milestone in A&E’s strategy to enhance its global manufacturing network and respond to the growing demand for innovative thread solutions in Bangladesh and throughout South Asia.
Strategically located near Southern Bangladesh’s bustling seaport and financial hub, the new state-of-the-art facility complements A&E’s existing operation in Gazipur. This expansion is expected to boost production capacity, improve service levels, and reduce lead times, allowing A&E to deliver high-quality thread products more efficiently to customers around the world.
The facility’s opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that attracted industry leaders, customers, suppliers, partners, and government officials. Guests were given an exclusive tour of the new facility, where they learned about its advanced technologies and capabilities.
The Chittagong facility is equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and scalable production processes designed to meet increasing market demands. Key features include advanced production lines for spun and filament thread products, dedicated research and development capabilities for product innovation, and sustainability-focused operations aimed at reducing environmental impact. The facility is also expected to create over 350 local jobs, contributing to the region’s economic development.
In addition to manufacturing, the Chittagong facility will serve as a regional hub for innovation, where A&E will focus on developing advanced thread solutions, optimising production processes, and implementing sustainability initiatives.
With this expansion, A&E further solidifies its leadership role in the global textile industry, building on a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1891. The Chittagong facility is poised to play a vital role in the company’s future growth and in shaping the next generation of thread solutions for the textile sector.
Different garment workers right bodies on Tuesday at separate rallies in Dhaka demanded paying wage and festival allowance of the garment workers before Ramadan 20.
Garments Sramik Odhikar Andolan, a combine of garment workers right bodies, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati and Garments Sramik Oikya Forum held separate rallies in front of the National Press Club to press their demands.
Garments Sramik Odhikar Andolan rally was chaired by garment labour leader Prakash Datta, where garment labour leader Mushrefa Mishu said that garment workers were low paid so they would not be able to enjoy the Eid festival with their family members if they did not get wage and festival allowance before Ramadan 20.
She called on the interim government and garment factory owners to pay wage and festival allowance of the workers by Ramadan 20.
Garment labour leaders Shamim Imam, Raju Ahmed, Saiful Islam and others spoke at the rally.
The rally was followed by a protest procession that paraded different city roads.
Garment Sramik Samhati also held a separate rally in front of the National Press Club where its president Taslima Akhter chaired.
Taslima Akhter also called on the interim government and garment factory owners to take steps to pay wage and festival allowance of the workers before Ramadan 20.
She also alleged that in some factories the managements are sacking workers.
Taslima Akhter called on the factory owners to refrain from job cut before Eid-ul Fitar.
General secretary of the organisation Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, central leaders Anjan Das, Asadul Islam, Sabina Yesmin, Prabir Saha and others spoke at the rally.
The rally was followed by a protest procession.
Garments Sramik Oikya Forum leaders also from a rally demanded paying wage and festival allowance of the garment workers properly before Ramadan 20.
Chaired by president of the organisation Mushrefa Mishu, central leaders Shahidul Islam Sabuj, Amena Akter, Imdadul Haque and others spoke at the rally.
The rally was followed by a protest procession that paraded different city roads.
Some readymade garments (RMG) workers have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in protest over the closure of their factory for an indefinite period following previous unrest.
Earlier this morning (22 March), the authorities of Giant Knit Fashion Limited in Gazipur’s Bason Police Station closed down their factory following workers’ unrest for several days.
During the ongoing blockade, vehicular movement on the highway remained suspended for an hour, causing immense suffering to the commuters.
The traffic situation later became normal as members of police and army went to the spot and brought the situation under control.
“Workers of a factory blocked the highway. Some other factories in the area declared a holiday for today following the incident. Many of them restarted their production activities by bringing back their workers later. The situation is normal at present,” said AKM Jahirul Islam, superintendent of Gazipur Industrial Police-2.
According to sources, workers of Giant Fashion were observing work abstention on 20 March over not getting Eid bonuses and demanding an increase in Eid holidays.
They even beat up four officers of the management, following which the authorities closed down the factory for an indefinite period following Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 to ensure overall security and protect the assets and the staff of the factory, sources said.
Arriving at the factory in the morning, the workers found the closure notice. Getting angry, they started a protest by blocking the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway.
Police said the agitated workers allegedly beat up four staff of the management, which led the joint forces to detain four workers. They were later freed.
Finally, the factory authority closed down the factory today, police added.
