Due to ongoing labor unrest, apparel manufacturers in Ashulia, Bangladesh, have indefinitely shut down their factories. This decision came after six days of continuous worker protests and was made at an emergency meeting of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President, BGMEA announced the closure under section 13(1) of the existing labor law, citing security concerns for both individuals and the industry. He stated, factories will not reopen until ‘foolproof security and a pro-industry atmosphere are ensured’ and demanded punishment for those responsible for the violence. Mohiuddin also warned, production could be suspended nationwide if the situation does not improve.
Despite a BGMEA warning to end the violence, protests continued and spread to other industrial zones, with tens of thousands of workers blocking highways and engaging in vandalism in the Ashulia and Kanchpur areas. Clashes between protesters and police injured nearly 100 people, including officers and journalists. According to police, the chaos began when workers demanded a wage hike to cope with rising living costs.
Trade unions have criticized the BGMEA's decision, fearing it will further incite the workers. They have urged manufacturers to reconsider the shutdown for the sake of the country's main export sector, which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of its total export earnings. Union leaders plan to visit the area to de-escalate the situation and find a solution.
Currently, a garment worker earns between 3,000 and 5,500 Bangladeshi Taka per month, and workers are demanding a raise of 1,500 to 2,000 Taka. The industry, which produces clothing for major global retailers like Walmart, H&M, and Tesco, previously faced similar violent protests in 2010, which led to an 80 per cent increase in the minimum wage.
