Garment factory owners have warned that they will not participate in ongoing Minimum Wage Board discussions unless comprehensive security is ensured for industrial units, noting that 147 factories across major industrial belts remain non-operational due to persistent unrest.
The warning came at a joint press conference held by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) at BGMEA Building in Uttara on Saturday.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan spoke in the press conference.
Leaders of the two apex trade bodies stated that a vested group is attempting to create anarchy under the guise of minimum wage demands, keeping numerous factories closed for seven to 12 days across Savar, Ashulia, Narayanganj, and Gazipur.
According to the trade bodies, while the vast majority of workers are eager to return to work, a small faction—joined by outsiders—is creating disturbances, obstructing willing workers, and pelting stones at operational factories.
Currently, 147 member factories employing roughly 300,000 workers are completely unable to operate. Of these, 55 factories have been closed, while 92 others failed to resume production despite attempts to operate. Owners noted that although Section 13(1) of the Labor Act prevents arbitrary closures, the prevailing unsafe environment has left them with no choice.
PBGMEA and BKMEA members unanimously termed it "illogical" to vandalize factories while simultaneously negotiating wage hikes. They urged the government to deploy maximum law enforcement personnel to restore order and protect industrial assets.
The owners announced that they will observe the situation until Sunday. If normalcy returns by then, they will submit their formal wage proposal at the Minimum Wage Board meeting scheduled for Monday. Otherwise, the associations warned they will be forced to take tough organizational decisions.
Leaders of BGMEA and BKMEA and different factory owners were present at the press conference.
Earlier, the business leaders organised a consulting meeting among them regarding the present situation of law and order and labor unrest in the apparel sector in Bangladesh.