The country’s garment industry is expected to return to full-scale production from Sunday after several days of worker unrest, protests and disruptions, with factory owners hoping that October wage payments will help restore a normal working environment.
The situation improved significantly on Friday across industrial areas in Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur, Mirpur and Narayanganj. In Savar and Ashulia, workers returned to their jobs peacefully at 88 garment factories, while road protests, clashes and tensions declined compared with previous days.
However, production has yet to return to normal at some factories.
Factory owners said the 88 factories in Ashulia remained open on Friday, despite the weekly holiday, to meet urgent shipment deadlines. Garment factories will remain closed on Saturday in line with the public holiday marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Preparations are now underway to resume regular production from Sunday.
Several industry owners said they would seek to maximise output to make up for losses in production and deliveries caused by the recent unrest. They are also prioritising workers’ return and maintaining a stable working environment.
Owners expect the payment of October wages on Sunday to further ease tensions. They said workers were generally less likely to stage protests or work stoppages on payday, raising hopes that production would continue without disruption.
