Abdullah Hill Rakib, Acting President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), expressed thanks and gratitude on behalf of the garment industry to the joint forces for their significant role in maintaining law and order within the sector.
During a discussion held on September 30 at the BGMEA complex in Uttara, which included representatives from the BGMEA, Army, Industrial Police, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and garment factory owners, Abdullah Hill Rakib noted the substantial improvements in the labor situation due to the cooperation and support from the joint forces. This support has allowed factories to remain operational during this period.
Although the workers' 18-point demands have been acknowledged, some factories have experienced disturbances due to false rumors and instigations from vested interests. However, the number of such incidents is low. Whenever issues arise, the joint forces promptly intervene to resolve problems and ensure factory operations continue smoothly.
The meeting was chaired by BGMEA Acting President Abdullah Hill Rakib and attended by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Industrial Police Sibgat Ullah; DIG of Operations of the Industrial Police Md. Ashrafuzzaman; CO of RAB-1 Lt. Col. Mohammad Zahidul Karim; and Wing Commander of RAB-4 Md. Rokonuzzaman, along with representatives from DGFI and other law enforcement agencies. BGMEA Vice President Asif Ashraf and Directors Haroon Ar Rashid, Mesbah Uddin Khan, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Md. Nurul Islam, and Md. Rezaul Alam (Miru) also participated in the meeting.
The meeting expressed deep condolences for the recent death of a worker at Mango Tex Limited, which occurred amid a clash.
Earlier that day, the owners had been discussing workers’ demands at the Mondol Group factory, attended by military personnel. During that time, false rumors about the deaths of two Mondol Group workers emerged, prompting violence as outside parties gathered, which later escalated, resulting in injuries to 11 individuals, including workers and law enforcement officials, who are now receiving medical care.
During the meeting, garment owners expressed concern that the current unrest is being fueled by vested interests. They appreciated the joint forces' assistance in maintaining operational stability and requested enhanced security measures to further improve the law and order situation, which is essential for industrial functioning. They urged the joint forces to take action against those inciting disorder.
The joint forces assured that they would implement adequate security measures in industrial areas and encouraged entrepreneurs to keep all garment factories operational.
Another meeting held with labor federations
Following the earlier discussion, another meeting was held with leaders of various labor organizations in the garment sector, which included participants from the first meeting.
On behalf of the joint forces, labor leaders were urged to fully support the garment industry and communicate to workers that any damage to factories would ultimately harm them and the country as a whole.
During the meeting, all parties committed to collaborating to ensure a congenial atmosphere in the sector.