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79 RMG factories close in Savar and Ashulia amid labour unrest

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Authorities have announced the closure of 79 garment factories in Dhaka’s Savar and Ashulia industrial areas due to ongoing labour unrest, with heightened security measures in place to maintain order

Staff Correspondent

Publisted at 1:16 PM, Mon Sep 9th, 2024

At least 79 garment factories have been shut down by authorities in Savar and Ashulia areas.

"There were no reports of any untoward incidents as of 11:30am,"  said Superintendent of Police for Industrial Police-1 Md Sarwar Alam on Monday (9 September).

The unrest in the garment sector has been simmering for nearly ten days, driven by various demands from workers.

According to the decision by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), factory owners were present and the factories were operational.

However, after midday, tensions increased.

Discussions between factory owners and workers at around 30 factories failed to reach a resolution, leading to the announcement of closures and spreading unrest throughout the industrial area.

Workers reported that the situation in Ashulia was relatively calm in the morning.

However, by afternoon, several factories were embroiled in discussions between management and workers over various demands.

An incident of scuffles and clashes occurred at one factory.

By the morning, workers arriving at the factories found closure notices and returned home.

Industrial Police stated that while discussions between workers and owners had taken place, no agreements were reached.

Consequently, several factories were closed on the previous day, and today, the number has risen to approximately 79. 

The situation remains under control, with no reported road blockades by workers, as they have returned home.

Superintendent Sarwar Alam informed the media that 79 garment factories have been closed today. No incidents have been reported, and additional police, army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel have been deployed to maintain order.

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