Lack of security fuels RMG workers’ unrest

In recent weeks, unrest has severely impacted the readymade garments (RMG) factories on the outskirts of Dhaka. This unrest has caused significant damage to the industry, with multiple factors contributing to the economic losses.

One of the primary issues identified is the lack of security for both workers and the establishments themselves.
When contacted by the Business Eye correspondent, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam pointed out that insufficient action had been taken against those believed to be instigating the unrest. 

He noted that the joint operations by the army and police had failed to restore confidence among factory owners due to the lack of decisive measures.

Intelligence reports suggest that many of the attacks were perpetrated by outsiders. BGMEA Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury stated that law enforcement lacks the capacity to alleviate the unrest effectively. 

He also criticized the interim government for its inability to manage the situation, attributing the failure to the instability of the newly formed government. 

Additionally, he alleged that certain groups are exacerbating the unrest to achieve their political goals by financing some workers.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib revealed that many of the protesters are terminated or suspended workers using their old identity cards to cause disruption.

Bangladesh Garments Sramik Oikya Federation President Md Sarwar Hossain said that the workers at several factories had been demonstrating to press their demands. 

These demands include an end to the persecution of workers by factory staff, fair treatment, and increases in tiffin and night shift allowances. 

Hossain explained that workers stopped working after lunch and, when the factory authorities declared a holiday, they moved to other factories, causing them to close as well.