Bangladesh Made Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that the garment industry has gone through a challenging period and has now achieved stability. The BGMEA Board has been able to deal with the disastrous situation with the cooperation of the government, owners, workers, Bangladesh Army and law enforcement.
He said these things at a press conference held at BGMEA complex in Uttara on Saturday (October 19).
Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said, everyone has given us full cooperation. For that, the BGMEA Board expresses its gratitude to all concerned including the Government and the Army. Moreover, buyers also have confidence in the garment industry of Bangladesh. With the concerted efforts of the BGMEA Board, under the guidance of the government, a joint force has been formed under the leadership of the army for the security of the garment factories and the joint force has regularly conducted patrols to ensure the security of garment-dominated areas. BGMEA has introduced community policing in collaboration with the army.
The BGMEA president said that workers of 39 garment factories affected by Ashulia were unable to pay their salaries for the month of September due to labor unrest. BGMEA has requested the Ministry of Finance to provide interest-free loans to 39 garment factories for the purpose of paying September salaries.
He also said that since there was uncertainty in the payment of August salaries in the garment factories, a letter was sent to the Finance Advisor seeking cooperation from BGMEA in this regard. BGMEA Board also met the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. Then, in view of the request of BGMEA, Bangladesh Bank directed the banks to pay the salaries and allowances for the month of August.
