Despite the widespread movement for political reform in Bangladesh, the garment sector has not suffered a terrible blow, except for a few isolated occurrences. It reflects the widespread positive image of Bangladesh’s clothing industry.
Apart from some isolated incidents, the garment factories as a whole have been saved from the destructive activities of miscreants mainly by the combined efforts of the garment industry owners and workers.
The general students and people of Bangladesh are well aware that the garment industry is one of the driving forces of Bangladesh’s economy. Consequently, the students and common people along with garment workers did not let the political transition movement affect the garment industry.
Because there was a risk of damage, the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and other organisations asked the owners to close all garment factories across the country for the safety of the workers and the garment industry.
Despite calls for factory closures, several garment factories continued to operate, enabling workers to join voluntarily. Students and workers worked together to keep the economy running smoothly.
According to a company executive, workers have returned to work in all areas of the factories. Nearby factories were likewise operational without any problems.
The industrial police have also tried to provide security in general. Imran Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Industrial Police-2 in Gazipur said, “We have increased vigilance and patrolling in important areas to ensure the safety of factories and workers. As a result, the situation in the industrial area was normal.”
The Chief Production Officer (COO) of a reputed factory said that many workers have joined work since morning. Production is ongoing in all sections. Nearby factories are also working. There was no problem.”
