Bangladesh Garment Factories Reopen After Four-Day Shutdown
Garment and textile factories in Bangladesh began reopening yesterday after a four-day shutdown, with expectations for full reopening today. Around 30% of garment factories, including some in Dhaka, resumed operations without incidents reported.
BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi and Mohammad Hatem, Executive President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, expressed optimism about the reopening, despite ongoing challenges with an internet blackout affecting communication with foreign buyers.
Local liaison offices of international retailers have struggled to place new orders due to the internet issues. Sector leaders have been lobbying government officials to ensure worker safety and restore internet services. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina advised factory owners to reopen at their own risk.
The sector has incurred significant financial losses due to the shutdown, with potential earnings losses of Tk 6,400 crore and wage payments of Tk 1,000 crore despite halted production. The garment accessories sector also reported losses exceeding Tk 2,500 crore.
In Chattogram, many factories, excluding those in export processing zones, resumed production after a meeting with local authorities. Syed Nazrul Islam of the BGMEA stated that 70-80% of the 450 operational factories outside EPZs reopened. Workers with ID cards were allowed entry by law enforcement.
Altaullah Siddique Masud of Klarion Designs reported that most of their workers returned, though transport costs doubled. Rakibul Alam of the BGMEA emphasized the need for internet restoration to ensure timely shipments.
