RMG factories reopen today

Apparel exporters will reopen their factories today, given their pending workload and the approaching lead times for the delivery of their goods to buyers.

The businesses have also decided to ensure the safety of their factories and workers amid the current law and order situation, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government amid deadly violence surrounding the Student Movement Against Discrimination.

Meanwhile, a three-member business delegation led by AK Azad, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, met with President Mohammed Sahabuddin at Bangabhaban to seek his cooperation in ensuring security for the reopening of industries.

"The factories will open tomorrow. We have requested the president take initiative to ensure the security of our industries," AK Azad said after the meeting on Tuesday.

Tapan Chowdhury and Marin Chowdhury, former presidents of the Bangladesh Textiles Manufacturers Association (BTMA), were also members of the delegation.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) decided to open their factories at an emergency meeting at the Westin Dhaka last evening.

The trade body has also sent a message to its members and all buyers saying, "We have decided to open all the factories tomorrow."

Additionally, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has made a similar decision and sent a message to its member factories.

However, about 200 BKMEA member factories and around 600 factories of the Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) resumed production on Tuesday, according to officials at these associations.

Meanwhile, in conversations with The Business Standard, buyers expressed approval of the decision but advised a gradual start, observing improvements in the situation, which they believe would be beneficial for all.

After the meeting, BGMEA Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib said, "We have decided to resume factory production tomorrow (Wednesday)."

BGMEA Director Ashikur Rahman Tuhin stated that they also plan to meet with all stakeholders to discuss industry conditions and seek cooperation for economic recovery.

He also mentioned that every factory must start paying their workers' salaries this week.

BGMEA Director Abrar Hossain Sayem said, "We will start regular office hours at BGMEA from tomorrow, and we will meet daily to analyse the situation."

Speaking to TBS, BKMEA Vice President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan said about 200 of their member factories have resumed production to meet buyers' shipment deadlines.

"Several factory owners contacted us today, expressing their intention to continue production responsibly," he said, adding, "Considering the security and economic situation, we have decided to open all factories tomorrow."

He noted that BKMEA has about 800 knitwear factories.

BTMA President Mohammad Ali Khokon commented, "They have not made a formal decision on opening their factories until the law-and-order situation improves, as there is no effective administration and the police are not prepared to provide security services."

Khokon also mentioned that if any miller wishes to open their factory independently, they are free to do so.

During the BGMEA meeting, Hannan Group Chairman ABM Shamsuddin said, "Self-help is the best way to ensure factory and worker safety."

"If we can open all factories at once, no one will be able to create unrest in our industrial zone," he added.

He also mentioned that some factories attempted to resume production on Tuesday morning in the Board Bazar area of Gazipur but later had to close due to objections from some workers, as BGMEA had earlier announced that factories would be closed on Tuesday.