Khandkar Rafiqul Islam, the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that the owner and the employees will lose out if a factory closes. “We need to talk about reasonable requests and keep our factories open to work toward a solution”, he added during a meeting on 16th September with BKMEA officials at the BKMEA premises in Chashara, Narayanganj.
“We’ve missed a lot of quick deliveries this time,” he remarked. “Several clients have withdrawn their orders due to the fragile nature of the matter. Already, a few sizable factories have been shuttered for an extended length of time. If we do not work together throughout this crisis and stay in contact with buyers, problems will come up in the future.”
Rafiqul Islam also stated that law enforcement forces including the army are working for the industry. “We believe labour regulations should be followed when operating a factory. It is our wish that both sides abide by labour laws.”
He claimed that the leader of the current interim government is well-known throughout the world. He has the power to make Bangladesh’s apparel industry globally recognised. “I think there are now chances for the people of Bangladesh. Positive ties with many big European and American brands are enjoyed by Dr. Yunus. He was optimistic about the possibility of advancing Bangladesh through collaboration.”
In order to prevent foreign control of the company, Muhammad Hatem, the president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), urged the entrepreneurs present to convince the employees.
Hatem claims that after a demand is met, they come up with even more absurd demands. “I’ll let the labour leaders know so they can convince the workers. It shouldn’t be owned by foreigners. This company was introduced to our country as a result of the upheaval that occurred in Sri Lanka in the 1980s.”
He continued by saying that sectors cannot be shut down to satisfy demand. “While sat at the negotiating table, we want to resolve this by carrying on with production operations. I hope the labour leaders will be present so that we can collaborate to find solutions to issues.”
The meeting was chaired by BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem and attended by the newly appointed Secretary of Labour and Employment Ministry AHM Shafiquzzaman, the District Superintendent of Police Pratyush Kumar Majumder, the Deputy Commissioner Mahmudul Haque, the Commanding Officer of Army Narayanganj District Lt. Col. Atiq, the Member of the BNP Executive Committee, the Former President of BKMEA Kazi Moniruzzaman, and the President of the Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce Masuduzzaman.