Mazharul Islam Mitchel
The Bangladesh Army, police and industrial police in Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur have launched a joint operation tonight to safeguard the ready-made garment (RMG) industries. Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has issued the directive, BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam told journalists after a meeting at the Secretariat. The decision was taken in a meeting of the BGMEA and BKMEA with the home affairs adviser yesterday.
The Industrial Police have identified over 60 factories facing issues with timely wage payments or suspected of being unable to pay wages in the upcoming months. This development has raised concerns about potential labor unrest, prompting warnings to both the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and
the affected companies.
Sources indicate that the list of factories includes those with a history of delayed wage payments or those currently facing financial difficulties. The Industrial Police have flagged these concerns to preempt any possible unrest, particularly as the Eid holidays approach.
In a statement to Business Eye on Monday, BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah HilRakib highlighted that such reports are a routine part of their preparation for major holidays. He noted that BGMEA has been proactive in addressing these issues by meeting with the affected factories to assess their current situations and challenges.
"We have requested these factories to ensure timely payment of wages and allowances and to maintain regular communication with their workers to foster good industrial relations," said Rakib. "We also advised them to collaborate with the Industrial Police to resolve any disputes that might arise." Rakib emphasized the importance of informing BGMEA and the workers in advance if any factory anticipates difficulties in making timely payments. This proactive approach is aimed at preventing misunderstandings and maintaining a harmonious working environment.
The meeting also underscored the need for resolving conflicts between factory owners and workers through discussions among all parties involved. The focus is on achieving mutually agreeable solutions to wage-related issues and other workplace concerns.
Additional Inspector General of Police MD.MahabuborRahman, head of the Industrial Police, confirmed that enforcement agencies, including the Gazipur Metropolitan Police, Rapid Action Battalion, and district police, are actively involved in managing the situation. He assured that while workers involved in destructive activities would face legal action, innocent workers should not be concerned about arrests.
In recent developments, authorities have shut down 130 garment factories in Ashulia, Savar, and Dhamrai due to worker protests. Imran Ahmed, additional superintendent of Industrial Police-2 in Gazipur, reported that protests had erupted in 11 factories across various locations, including Bhogra in Gazipur. Workers' demands include job security, elimination of gender discrimination, and increased salaries and allowances.
The Industrial Police and law enforcement agencies are working to restore order and address the workers' grievances, aiming to mitigate further unrest and ensure the smooth operation of the garment sector.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for swift and effective measures to prevent further disruptions and support the affected workers and factories during this critical period.
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