Picture: Collected
Protests have once again disrupted production in dozens of factories over the past two days, surprising apparel industry owners. They are feeling the strain, with 30% of next season’s orders already shifting to other countries.
After two weeks of unrest, apparel factories near Dhaka had just resumed operations, but on Sunday, workers in Ashulia and Gazipur began protesting again, demanding a minimum wage of Tk25,000. Despite resolving most of the workers’ demands during recent negotiations, the protests continued, leaving manufacturers uncertain about the reasons behind the ongoing unrest.
At an emergency meeting, the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) revealed that around 30% of orders for the upcoming season have already been diverted to countries like India, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
Although factory owners previously agreed to some worker demands, the number of demands has now increased, leading to more factory shutdowns. Buyers are increasingly concerned, with many shifting their orders out of Bangladesh due to the unstable situation.
BGMEA officials noted that major buyers are reluctant to visit Bangladesh due to the ongoing protests, which have escalated since August 29. Meanwhile, labor leaders continue to push for a wage hike and other benefits, while owners face the challenge of balancing these demands with maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
Factories in the affected areas suspended production on Monday as workers took to the streets, blocking key highways. Authorities intervened, detaining some protesters, while exporters expressed concern over the industry’s future as orders continued to move to alternative suppliers.
