Workers from most garment factories in Savar and Ashulia returned to work on Wednesday following protests in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
However, about 27 factories in these areas closed on Tuesday due to ongoing worker protests. Of these, 16 factories were shut down indefinitely under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, which follows a "no work, no pay" rule. The remaining 11 factories closed after workers showed up but refused to work.
In Gazipur, three additional RMG factory units were also closed, confirmed by Mohiuddin Rubel, a director at the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Notable factories that closed under Section 13(1) include Pearl Garments Ltd, Generation Next Ltd, Radiance Jeans and Radiance Fashions Ltd, and Vintage Garment Limited. Meanwhile, factories like Mascot Garments, Newage Group, Lusaka Group, and Knit Asia Ltd, which initially opened, also closed after workers left.
Industry insiders report that extra security personnel have been deployed to manage the situation, with increased patrols by the army, APBN, and police, especially around factories in the Narsinghpur area along the Baipail-Abdullahpur road in Ashulia.
Despite two weeks of unrest, most factories in Savar and Ashulia were fully operational by Sunday. Surprisingly, many remained open on Monday, a government holiday.
In Dhaka, workers from Jamuna Fashionwear Limited blocked a road in the Sialbari area, demanding unpaid wages. The protest ended when the factory owner began making payments around 11 a.m.
Mohiuddin Rubel noted that law enforcement took a stronger stance and played a key role in managing the situation. He added that most worker demands had been met, and the reason behind the continued protests remains unclear.
Earlier, the situation in the readymade garment (RMG) industrial hubs of Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur was largely normal on Sunday after persistent unrest for more than two weeks.
The factory workers attended their respective workstations peacefully in the morning despite the heavy downpour.
However, industry insiders said that the situation is good, but they have to be more vigilant to maintain this situation and counter any conspiracy against the industry.
Earlier on Saturday, at a meeting at the BGMEA Complex, Labour and Employment Ministry Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said that all readymade garment factories will open for production from Sunday, while law enforcement agencies will ensure security.
