In response to worker concerns, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has opted to raise the tiffin bill and attendance bonus. Additionally, starting 10th September, all factories producing ready-to-wear clothing will open in Dhaka’s Savar and Ashulia.
BGMEA President Khandkar Rafiqul Islam gave this information in a press conference after an emergency meeting of owners, workers and law enforcement forces on the ongoing situation of the garment sector at the capital’s Uttara BGMEA building on Monday night.
He said, 10th September, all export-oriented garment factories closed due to labor unrest in Savar and Ashulia areas will continue production as usual. It has been decided to increase the tiffin bill and attendance bonus of the workers according to their demands.
At the press conference, it was announced that hiring rights for clothing companies would be equal for men and women. He announced that there will be a Taka 225 increase in the attendance bonus now given to employees, along with an additional Taka 10 for tiffin.
It is said that attendees at the Monday afternoon meeting in the BGMEA facility included politicians, factory owners, members of the armed forces, and representatives of the local apparel industry. The workers started working in the apparel factory on Tuesday by the decision made there.
The majority of workers from clothing factories have relocated to Ashulia. In addition, more police have been stationed for security in front of the factory. However, even after this decision, the workers observed a strike in 40 garment factories in Ashulia.
On Tuesday morning, workers were seen attending work in garment factories in Pallividyut, Bypile, DEPZ, Jamgara, Narsingpur, Nischintpur areas of Ashulia. Meanwhile, many workers started to strike in Narsinghpur area around 9 am. After that, 40 garment factories declared a general holiday one by one.
