Businesses across the country are concerned over the recent vandalism, looting, and arson attacks on factories following the protests that led to the government's ousting.
They said these actions were unacceptable, stressing that individuals who commit crimes should be held accountable, as factories are national assets that provide jobs to thousands of people.
Business leaders have emphasized that the health of the economy heavily depends on the well-being of industries. "If our industries thrive, so does our economy," they pointed out, urging the government to take strong action against those responsible for the destruction and ensure the safety of these factories.
Fazlee Shameem Ehsan, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), spoke to Dhaka Tribune: "I believe miscreants are setting these fires. Opportunists are exploiting the situation. Industries are state assets, and anyone guilty of these crimes should face justice. Factories must not be damaged or shut down."
Ehsan, also the managing director of Fatullah Apparels, emphasized that thousands of people rely directly and indirectly on these factories. "If these factories are destroyed, it’s not just the buildings that are lost— people lose their livelihoods. Factories must be kept operational, even if it means forming a commission to manage them under the country’s major industrial groups," he added.
Mohiuddin Rubel, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), also spoke to Dhaka Tribune, expressing his concerns. "The recent protests were aimed at reform, but vandalizing, looting, and setting fire to factories undermines the spirit of the movement," he said.
Rubel stressed that while owners guilty of crimes should be brought to justice, the chaos in the industries is highly undesirable. "Factories are the source of livelihood for thousands of people. Moreover, many of these factories were established with loans from banks, which is essentially the people's money. If the factories are destroyed, the owners will default on their loans, workers will lose their jobs, and the economy will suffer greatly," he concluded.
Massive vandalism
Industry insiders are pointing fingers at miscreants for the recent wave of vandalism, looting, and arson targeting factories across the country. They believe the current law and order situation has allowed these incidents to escalate, and in some cases, the political affiliations of factory owners have made them targets.
Since July 19, dozens of factories in key industrial areas like Savar, Ashulia, Narayanganj, and Chittagong have been attacked. In Ashulia and Savar alone, at least 15 factories, including those belonging to Bengal Group, Ha-meem Group, Beximco Group, and Sinha Textiles, have been vandalized and set on fire.
Narayanganj has also seen about 10 factories looted and torched, while Chittagong witnessed similar fates for four ready-made garment (RMG) factories and several others.
Gazi Group factories targeted
The most severe attacks occurred at five factories owned by Gazi Group in Rupganj, Narayanganj, which were targeted twice in the last three weeks.
The violence intensified following the arrest of former Jute and Textile Minister Golam Dastgir Gazi. Miscreants attacked Gazi Tank, Gazi Tyre, Gazi Pump, Gazi Door, and Gazi Pipe factories, with the 45-acre Gazi Tyre factory suffering the most devastating damage.
According to sources, at least 10,000 workers worked in these five factory units who are currently unemployed.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam told the media that if this unruly situation persists, business will come to a standstill which will create new instability.
He also said that if a person commits a crime, they should be brought under the criminal justice system. But it does not make sense to destroy the country's wealth by destroying industries.
Businesses demand strict action
The businesses demanded a strong position from the government and strict action in this regard so that the factories could operate without the threat of attacks.
Ehsan said that they have urged the interim government to take adequate measures. Within two or three days, they will meet the home affairs advisor in this regard.
“We want exemplary punishment for those involved in vandalism and looting so that others are deterred. If needed, their families also can be brought under legal measures,” he added.
Mohiuddin Rubel said a vested interest group is behind heinous acts that want to destroy the image of the country globally.
“We want the law enforcers and the government to be stricter in protecting the industries, the lifelines of the country’s economy. We also need awareness in this regard,” he added.
In a letter to the Finance and Commerce Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC-B), urged the restoration of law and order by Joint Forces at economic zones, factories, and other locations of industrial output immediately along with stopping of all types of extortion.
On August 27, the BGMEA board also discussed matters of law and order with representatives from the Industrial Police, DCs, NSI, DGFI, DIFE and other responsible organizations.
Moreover, a delegation of the FBCCI met Chief of Army Staff Waker Uz Zaman recently regarding these issues.