In an effort to restore order after workers’ demands and outsider attacks led over a hundred textile companies to close, the army and police coordinated operations in the industrial zones of Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur, according to sources.

According to BGMEA sources, around 45 factories in Gazipur and 59 in Savar and Ashulia were forced to shut down due to protests demanding jobs and other benefits. The protesters blocked roads, vandalised three factories, and looted at least two others.

Trade union representatives, industrial police, and factory owners reported that initially, outsiders gathered in front of many enterprises and demanded jobs. Upon learning there were no openings, they turned to vandalism, throwing bricks and stones at the factories. Later, RMG employees from different factories joined the demonstrations.

Leaders of the BGMEA and BKMEA met with Lieutenant General (retd) M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Advisor, in the Secretariat on Saturday afternoon to discuss factory protection. In the meeting, it was decided to go on joint drives.

During the meeting with the home adviser, BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib said that the unrest is driven by “outsiders who have been incited or incentivised by political leaders”.

He said, “Individuals wearing helmets and carrying sticks attacked our community police, and at least 30 employees of my factory in Gazipur have been injured in these attacks. He called for decisive action against these perpetrators.”

Unlike the past instances, protesters are not asking for arrears or wage hikes. This time they are making demands such as reduced workloads, stopping undue termination and increasing tiffin allowances.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweater Workers Trade Union Centre, told local media, “I believe there are outsiders involved in this protest alongside the workers. Additionally, local waste fabric [jhut] traders are exploiting the situation, especially considering the government change.

BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam announced after the meeting with the home adviser that the adviser had instructed the army, police, and industrial police to act right away to prosecute individuals accountable for the unrest by Monday night.

Additionally, the house advisor urged owners to maintain factory operations and carry on with manufacturing.