Manufacturers of the readymade garment (RMG) sector on Wednesday demanded security of their industry facilities amid the ongoing workers’ unrest in this sector regarding a raise in wages.
They also demanded to arrest of the individuals involved in the ongoing unrest in this sector immediately.
Manufacturers were speaking at a general meeting with its members, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in its Uttara office of the capital on Wednesday.
Nearly 200 factory owners gathered at the Uttara office to express their concern regarding the ongoing unrest in the garment factories over the last week.
They also urged the government to issue a special notification allowing the implementation of section 13/1 of the labour law.
Section 13 (1) of the labour law entails that an employer may, in the event of an illegal strike in any section or department of any establishment, close down either wholly or partly such section or establishment.
However, after shutting nearly 500 RMG factories in Gazipur, Konabari, Chandra, Ashulia, Savar and Mirpur, workers took to the streets in the areas on Tuesday and Wednesday and demonstrated.
Faruque Hassan, president of the BGMEA, said that they will not compromise and have already provided some evidence to the NSI, the DGFI and other government agencies to take action against the vandalizers.
He requested all law enforcement agencies to take appropriate measures to ensure the security of apparel factories and their employees.
“We will not backtrack from seeking implementation section 13 (1) of the labour law and employees of the factories under this rule will not get any salary while under this rule,” he added.
He said that the board is discussing wages and they will accept the wages decided by the board. But now such vandalism is illogical.
“We have spoken to at least 100 federations, they said they are not involved with these vandalisms. They are carrying out regular programs for wage increase but they do not support any vandalism and arson attacks,” he added.
He also said that a third party is tactfully involving the workers in these acts by running a campaign of incitement.
“We request all law enforcement agencies to arrest those involved. This industry must be protected for the sake of the owners, workers and the country,” he added.
He also said that they have directed the owners to close the factory as per clause 13/1 if they feel it necessary. This announcement is effective from today.
Former BGMEA President and Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin MP said that the industry is a national property.
“It is difficult for us to shut the factory for days, but we are forced to do this. Due to the ongoing clash and factory closure, many factories will be permanently shut as owners force costly air shipment, and offer discounts to the buyers,” he added.
This time is too sensitive as the national poll is near at hand and a national and international syndicate are trying to create instability with conspiracy.
Law enforcement agencies have rights to protect life and wealth security if any cost, he added.
“I demand to the labour minister (State Minister of Labour and Employment Munnujan Sufian), please control the situation, or resign from the post,” he added.
Former BGMEA President Abdus Salam Murshedy MP said that the wages board is working to fix the minimum wage.
“The board deserves the opportunity to work independently to come to a decision. Such kinds of activities are hampering the work of the board,” he added.
AK Azad, managing director of Ha-meem Group, said that the decision should be area-based, factories in areas where unrest and vandalization are occurring should be declared closed.
“On the other hand, the areas where there is no unrest should continue with their operations.
He also mentioned that every factory should make a unified decision to follow section 13/1.
AK Azad said they have handed over some video footage to law enforcement agencies which shows his employees were attacked in his factory, but no action has been taken yet.
He said his four factories in Ashulia were closed, and it is very difficult to continue operations during this unrest.
SM Mannan Kochi, senior vice president of BGMEA, said that the workers are being provoked by outsiders.
“Today, we will hold a meeting with the home minister and will urge us to take action against the vandalizers,” he added.
He also said that vested interest groups who are against the development of the RMG sector are behind these miscreant activities, he added.
Abdus Salam, former deputy inspector general of industrial police said, there's a lack of coordination on how to resolve the issues brought on by the workers.
“If workers take to the streets, it is very difficult to bring them back to the factory”, added Salam.
From the meeting, the BGMEA leaders and factory owners sought security and safety of the lives and the factories as they could not run the factories.
The BGMEA leaders and some factory owners are scheduled to meet Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his office in Dhaka today to inform him about the situation and to seek the safety and security of the workers from the vandalism.
The RMG workers of the country have been demonstrating for a hike in wages since October 23 in the major industry hubs of the country.
