Almost all apparel and accessory manufacturers in the country started full-scale production on Thursday, expecting to meet shipment deadlines set by their buyers, which had already been pushed back owing to recent turbulence over the student movement.
However, while some textile factories have restarted operations, others are still apprehensive about potential security risks from unknown outsiders, according to industry sources.
On Thursday, clothing exporters raised concern about the security of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), citing an alleged hostile takeover effort by the current board.
Later in the evening, the board met with Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula, director of military operations at the army headquarters, and other senior military officials to seek security support for their industrial zones.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Mohammad Hatem, and BGMEA board members were present at the meeting.
BGMEA Director Shovon Islam told the local media, “About 81 per cent of factories were open on Thursday and operating at full capacity, especially in the Dhaka and Narayanganj zones.”
He added, “The presence of workers was over 90 per cent.”
BGMEA Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury said that all apparel factories in Chattogram resumed production on Wednesday morning and managed to operate smoothly without issues.
