BGMEA, EPZ investors urge review of 3-day election holiday for industrial zones
The government has announced a holiday from 10 to 12 February for industrial zones ahead of the election scheduled for 12 February.
Garment industry leaders and investors in export processing zones (EPZs) have urged the government to reconsider a proposed three-day holiday for industrial areas around the upcoming national election, warning that it could disrupt production, exports and foreign exchange earnings.
The government has announced a holiday from 10 to 12 February for industrial zones ahead of the election scheduled for 12 February.
In separate letters to the secretaries of the labour and public administration ministries and to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza), the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh EPZ Investors' Association said that while a holiday on polling day is reasonable, extending it to three consecutive days would significantly affect factory operations.
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BGMEA said February already has fewer working days due to Shab-e-Barat, International Mother Language Day and regular weekly holidays, leaving only 22 working days in the month.
With three additional holidays, the number of effective working days would fall to 19, which the association said would seriously affect garment production.
The association also noted that factories are already under pressure due to declining export orders and falling global apparel prices, with some units forced to shut down.
"In such a situation, factory owners will face added strain in managing February wages along with Eid-ul-Fitr bonuses," the BGMEA said.
The Bangladesh EPZ Investors' Association echoed similar concerns, saying EPZ enterprises operate on fixed production schedules agreed with international buyers months in advance, leaving little scope for unplanned disruptions.
It warned that missing shipment deadlines could result in penalties and damage buyer confidence in Bangladesh as a reliable sourcing destination.
Both organisations proposed that only 12 February be declared a general holiday in industrial areas.
Alternatively, they suggested that holidays on 10 and 11 February be adjusted against weekly holidays or annual leave through an executive order to minimise disruption to production.
