RMG owners fear deliberate attempts to incite labour unrest during national election

Highlights:

• Garment owners fear deliberate unrest ahead of national election
• BGMEA seeks army and police help to prevent instability
• Concern over "external groups" exploiting worker protests for sabotage
• Meeting held between BGMEA leaders and Army's 9th Infantry Division
• Wage disputes and unpaid dues seen as main unrest triggers
• Authorities report no major unrest yet but urge vigilance

The garment industry owners fear deliberate attempts to incite labour unrest and sabotage within the country's export-focused ready-made garment (RMG) sector in the lead-up to the national election.

They have requested assistance from law enforcement agencies and the military to prevent any instability in the labour-intensive areas.

The main concern is that if workers take to the streets, particularly over outstanding dues or other issues, "external groups" might seize the opportunity to foment larger unrest and cause damage to the industry.

The issue of potential election-related disruption was raised during a meeting between leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Army officials at the BGMEA's Uttara office yesterday. The meeting was attended by the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army's 9th Infantry Division.

"We have expressed our concern to them [Army officials] so that no one can carry out any malicious intentions during the election period – so that we receive extra support in this sector," Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, president of the BGMEA, told TBS.

He added, "We anticipate that the situation in the garment sector might become somewhat unstable during the election period, and we have conveyed our concerns to them."

Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz, a director of the BGMEA, who was also present at the meeting, said, "There is a scope for worker unrest during the election period. Unexpected incidents may occur deliberately. We want to ensure the unrest does not spread."

He explained that the main causes of potential unrest include wage-related issues and other sudden grievances. "We are working closely with the government on wage issues. For factories unable to pay wages, we are assisting in finding solutions, including recovering dues from absent owners' assets if necessary," he said.

Mustafiz continued, "Our primary concern, however, is preventing sudden street protests during the election period. Vigilance is key."

Efforts to reach Labour Ministry Secretary Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan for comments on election-related labour concerns were unsuccessful. Messages sent via WhatsApp had not received a response as of 10pm yesterday, when this report was compiled.

Meanwhile, the RMG sector was discussed at a meeting on law and order convened by the home affairs ministry the same day. Inamul Haq Khan Bablu, senior vice president of BGMEA, told TBS, "The meeting noted that there are no major unrest issues in the garment sector at present. However, vigilance was advised regarding fire safety."

A senior official from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least five factories are currently in discussions over outstanding wages. Workers' representatives from a factory in Mymensingh staged a protest in front of Srama Bhaban (Labour Building).