A large number of expats, mainly Indians, working in the Bangladesh RMG industry, have left the country in fear and uncertainty, with them resuming their work being dependent on further developments in Bangladesh. Due to the region’s unpredictability and high risks, many of them believe that they might not go back to Bangladesh again.
According to industry sources, over 1,000 Indian professionals were working at the top levels across various departments, including production and marketing, in the Bangladesh RMG industry. Several of them have returned while the rest are in the process of returning.
In the long run, this will have a negative impact for the Bangladesh RMG industry since Indian expats play a significant role in said industry.
A 2018 study from Dhaka University and The Centre of Excellence of BGMEA, reportedly estimates that there are 34,340 expatriates holding top positions in RMG factories, who are remitting around US $ 2.36 billion in salary and allowances.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s expat connection!
“The day the military came on the road, we had an intuition that the situation could escalate and it was not safe to be here, so we immediately took flights and returned to India. And now we realise that our decision was completely right,” told an expat who had been working in Bangladesh for over 8 years.
It is pertinent to mention here that the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh has created a massive law & order problem.
Another expat shared on condition of anonymity that those who couldn’t book air-tickets came by road through Agartala.
There are almost 20+ Indian companies having operations in Bangladesh including Shahi Exports, Pearl Global and JJ Mills. Along with Bangladeshi apparel companies, such Indian companies also have Indians in their top-level management.
Leading apparel manufacturing companies with a global presence like Floreal (CIEL Textiles, Mauritius) also have Indians in top management.
“We have seen how a mob tried to enter our factory but they couldn’t due to security measure but they set fire to a nearby factory, which was a scary situation,” shared another expat.
These expats are uncertain about the future, especially regarding their safety as sentiments in Bangladesh are quite negative and some factories have witnessed sabotage.
Also Read: Five garment factories set on fire in Savar
“Our fellow expats are of the strong view that at least for the next one month we will not go back to Bangladesh and will decide when a sustained peace takes place after the formation of a new Government. Family pressure is also a reason that can compel us to not return to Bangladesh,” informed a professional who came back a day before the unrest escalated.
It can be mentioned here that India evacuated 190 non-essential staffers and their family members from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, by a special flight.
Also Read: Expats in Bangladesh RMG sector to get special security: Reports
