RMG factories mostly back in production, except for a few

Almost all apparel factories, some textile mills, and accessory industries in the country resumed production on Wednesday (7 August) despite security concerns, as police are observing work abstention following deadly clashes with student protesters that resulted in over 400 deaths and the ouster of the Awami League government.

However, some factories in Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, and Narayanganj areas were closed due to several reasons including workers' unrest over arrears. 

Industry insiders said that a few factories were forced to close due to owners' ties with the ousted Awami League government and disruptions from outsiders trying to seize control of the waste and surplus fabric business, previously managed by Awami League affiliates.

Sources from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) told TBS that most member factories have resumed full-capacity production, with a few exceptions. 

Factories in Rajendrapur, Sreepur, Mawna, and Bhaluka are operational except for those under the Tusuka group. 

In Kashempur, most factories are open, but the Mondol group, DBL group, Multifabs Ltd, GMS Composite Knitting Ind Ltd, Islam group, Standard group, and Ripon Knit remain closed. 

In Kaliakoir and Chandra, all factories are open except Dressmen Apparels Ltd and Niagara Textiles Ltd. 

All apparel factories in Chattogram resumed production on Wednesday morning and managed to operate smoothly and without issues, BGMEA Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury told TBS.

Sirajul Islam Azad, chief human resources officer at Bitopi Group, said, "Our four factories, including three EPZ factories in Cumilla, Adamjee, and Dhaka, are operating with normal employee attendance."

Tapan Chowdhury from Square Group and DBL Group Managing Director MA Jabbar both confirmed that production in their factories resumed in the morning.

BGMEA Director Shovon Islam said approximately 65% of factories continued production without any issues till Wednesday evening, though conditions vary by area.

BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem told TBS, "Some factories in Narayanganj had to close shortly after opening due to disturbances caused by outsiders trying to seize control of the waste and surplus fabric business."

Worker unrest began in Tongi's Board Bazar, starting at one of the Mondol factories due to salary disputes. This unrest spread to Tongi and Gazipura, leading to factory closures out of concern for potential vandalism by workers, according to insiders.

Md Sharafat Hussain Sohail, senior manager (Merchandising) at Masco Group, told TBS, "We had normal attendance today, but after two hours, we had to close as workers from other factories protested in the streets."

Hameem Group Managing Director AK Azad said the unrest in the Ashulia zone led to factory closures. 

He also noted that apparel industry leaders have met with the Army chief to seek security for factories.

At a press conference on Wednesday morning, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) President Mahbubur Rahman called for government measures to ensure the safety of workers and factories. He urged the deployment of law enforcement officers to restore order across the country. ***