The country’s readymade garment exporters expressed their deep concern over the political unrest that is brewing up ahead of parliamentary polls.
Already, the major two parties are calling rallies against each other amid police ban, which suggests the country is going to be sunk into a political brawl.
They fear such situation will immensely hamper the export sector.
When contacted, they made the reaction as BNP had called rally on October 25 in the capital.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police imposed a ban on holding any rally and procession since October 20 until further order.
“Buyers are scared to place orders in Bangladesh due to political instability before election,” said Harun Ur Rashid, managing director of Sea Moss Knitwear Ltd.
He told the Dhaka Tribune that they are also afraid to take orders from the buyers fearing disruption in supply chain.
The apparel makers urged both the parties to sit on negotiation table and settle disagreements over a polls-time government to save the nation and businesses from another wave of street violence.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Atiqul Islam said: “A group of buyers asked me about the upcoming political programmes as they want to come here to bargain to buy RMG products. But I could not provide them with any good news.”
“On behalf of the whole apparel industry, I request the major parties and the government to reach a consensus,” said Atiqul Islam.
He said such consensus will give a relief to the industry and whole nation from the fear of uncertainty.
BGMEA vice president Shahidullah Azim said buyers can shift their orders to other sourcing countries if they see any politically unstable situation in Bangladesh.
“We have to keep in mind that there are other countries producing RMG products. If the situation is not stable here, they will divert their supply orders to those sourcing countries,” said Shahidullah Azim.
He added: “To maintain growth in the country’s readymade garment sector, the leaders will have to ensure political instability.”