All closed garment factories to be reopened: BGMEA

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has decided to reopen all garment factories that were closed indefinitely due to the demonstration of garment workers for a decent wage, as the situation has improved now.

The association came up with the decision after a meeting with the workers, leaders of labour organisations, local political leaders, administration, and industrial police on Tuesday.

“We have decided to open the garment factories closed under Section 13/1 of the Labour Act tomorrow (Wednesday). Those who come to work will be given the opportunity to work at the factories in Ashulia, as the area is now peaceful. Workers did not demonstrate there on Tuesday,” BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.

In a statement, he added that workers showed interest in working at garment factories in Kashimpur and Konabari in Gazipur, so those have been opened. But several factories remain closed in Mirpur. Discussion is going on to open those as well.

On Sunday, Faruque said a total of 130 factories were closed due to the workers’ unrest.