THE ongoing labour unrest in the apparel sector that has led to the shutdown of more than a hundred factories is gravely concerning for owners and employees in the sector and the economy. The unrest at a time when fresh orders come aplenty is feared to have a lasting negative impact on the sector. September and October are crucial for the sector as most western buyers place orders in these two months targeting Christmas. Any disruption now in the sector, one of the pillars of the economy, will give benefits to Bangladesh鈥檚 competitors, which naturally eye to seize the market. Labour unrest shut down, as 抖阴精品 reported on September 11, 114 factories in Ashulia and Gazipur industrial areas. Workers of several factories in the Beximco Industrial Park in Gazipur on September 11 went on demonstration demanding their wage for August and tried to mobilise workers of other factories, leading to a clash. About 32,000 workers in the Beximco Industrial Park had rallied for their overdue wage for August and although the authorities issued payment on September 10, many workers did not receive the wage. The workers also burnt a factory in Kashimpur after a clash between two worker groups.
In the wake of the unrest that has continued for a few days, at least 60 factories announced a paid general holiday while 54 units announced closure for an indefinite period. It is feared that about 100,000 workers might get laid off if the shutdown continues and if work orders do not come. Factory owners have, meanwhile, alleged that the unrest is created by outsiders and is politically motivated. While the allegation appears a typical response of owners, it bears some truth as a leader of the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, was arrested on September 8 after a provocative speech in front of apparel workers at Savar had gone viral. This suggests that the unrest might be, to some extent, politically motivated and outsiders, local or foreign, might have attempted sabotage. The authorities certainly need to examine the allegation and assess the situation. But at the same time, the authorities need to address the labour rights issue that continues to be a cause for concern. Bangladesh cuts a sorry figure when it comes to labour rights. The Global Rights Index has ranked Bangladesh among the 10 worst countries for workers for consecutive years since 2017.
The government needs to address the issue efficiently, effectively and immediately to bring stability in the sector. The authorities must provide security for industrial areas and investigate whether the unrest is an act of sabotage. The authorities, however, should by no means be high-handed to workers and heed genuine grievances of the workers. The labour unions also need to come forward and help bring stability in the sector.
