BGMEA stresses timely wage payment to thwart unrest

Apparel factory owners and representatives from law enforcement and regulatory agencies at a views exchange on Tuesday emphasised timely payment of wages and allowances to foster harmonious industrial relations, and prompt resolution of disputes.

They assessed overall labour situation in the garment industry expressed concern over labour unrest.

They expressed concerns over recent labour unrest and subsequent road blockades by workers, which caused significant traffic congestion and public inconvenience.

Factory owners at the meeting were urged to ensure timely payment of wages and allowances, hold regular meetings with workers to foster harmonious industrial relations, and collaborate with industrial police to address and resolve disputes promptly.

There was a unanimous agreement that any issues or conflicts between owners and workers regarding wages or other matters should be resolved through discussion among all concerned parties. 

All attendees committed to working together to maintain fair labour conditions within the industry, said a BGMEA release.

The views exchange was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, bringing together representatives from BGMEA, the Bangladesh Army, Industrial Police, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, the DCs of Dhaka and Gazipur Districts, DGFI, NSI, Community Policing on RMG, and garment factory representatives.

Presided over by BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam the event had key participants such as Col. Mohiuddin, Admin of Savar; Col. M. Mahmudul Hasan from DGFI Savar; Lt. Col. Md. Asif Rahman, psc, Captain of 27 East Bengal Regiment in Gazipur; Lt. Col. Abul Bashar Tuhin, Captain of 32E Bengal; Major Mazhar from the Sadar Area of Savar; Sana Shaminur Rahman, DIG Operation of Industrial Police Headquarters; and Mohammad Sarwar Alam, SP of Industrial Police-1 in Dhaka. Also present were representatives from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, NSI, Community Policing on RMG, and various garment factory owners.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President (Finance) Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Asif Ashraf, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former Vice President Md. Moshiul Azam (Sajal), and current board directors of BGMEA also took part in the discussions.