Many garment manufacturing companies in Chattogram have chosen to temporarily suspend operations at their factories, in response to a request made by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) due to concerns surrounding the potential impact of Cyclone Mocha. As per reliable sources within the BGMEA, the leading trade organisation for garment manufacturers, a formal notice was issued to all members in Chattogram on Saturday afternoon.
As per the notice, the provision of gas supply from the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal located in Maheshkhali has been temporarily halted in light of the cyclone. Consequently, industrial plants and CNG filling stations in Chattogram are currently experiencing a cessation of gas supply.
According to reliable sources within the BGMEA, approximately 70 per cent of garment factories in Chattogram were closed in compliance with the call made by the association. In addition, the supply of gas from the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Maheshkhali has been halted due to the cyclone, resulting in the absence of gas for industrial plants and CNG filling stations in Chattogram. Syed Nazrul Islam, the first vice president of the BGMEA, verified the suspensions of gas supply when queried.
According to Jahangir Alam, the general secretary of the United Federation of Garments Workers Chattogram, the BGMEA has limited authority to enforce decisions upon its members and therefore emphasises the need for improved coordination in urgent decision-making. He believes that during significant natural disasters, it is crucial to declare a general holiday for garment factories to ensure the safety of workers and their families. As many workers reside in slum areas and some even live in precarious conditions on hill slopes, they should be permitted to seek shelter along with their families.
