After protests over various demands went unresolved, authorities announced closures in at least 79 garment factories for Monday, even though workers in most factories in Dhaka's Savar and Ashulia industrial areas resumed work in the morning.
Additional security forces had been deployed, and surveillance had been increased to maintain control of the situation, Industrial Police-1 Superintendent Mohammad Sarowar Alam said.
Earlier on Sunday, workers had reported to work on time.
However, as the day progressed, some workers in various factories stopped work over demands, leading to the announcement of general holidays in those factories.
The news quickly spread, prompting several other factories to follow suit and declare holidays.
As of 1:30pm, no untoward incidents had been reported in the industrial areas, and most factories were still operational, Sarowar said.
Law enforcement has beefed up security measures in areas where worker protests took place in recent days.
Security forces, including the army, RAB, BGB, APBn and police, have positioned themselves in front of various factories along the Narsinghpur section of the Baipail-Abdullahpur road in Ashulia.
Many believe the current situation in the garment industry can be resolved through the collective efforts of owners, workers and other stakeholders.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, said less than 2% of factories in Ashulia were facing issues.
Factories with cooperative owners had already resolved their problems, he said, adding that if factory owners showed a little more sincerity, the issues could be addressed.
Mintu said most of the workers' demands were already outlined in labour laws. “The owners just need to ensure that factories operate according to these laws, and any additional matters, such as attendance bonuses, can be resolved through mutual discussion.”
Meanwhile, RAB-4 CPC-2 Company Commander Major Jalis Mahmud Khan said efforts were underway to identify those responsible for destabilizing the garment sector.
He added that intelligence teams were conducting shadow investigations and working to pinpoint the individuals and groups behind the unrest.
“Legal action will be taken against those involved.”
The RAB official said the situation would be brought under control soon, noting the importance of the garment industry to Bangladesh's economy and vowing to take all necessary steps to keep the sector running smoothly.