Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), has said that damages totaling over Taka 5,000 crore have been caused by nearly three weeks of continuous labour unrest in a variety of businesses across the country.
This information was provided by MCCI Secretary General Farooq Ahmed at the PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) announcement at the MCCI office located in Gulshan Police Plaza. Hasnat Alam, senior manager of Policy Exchange, and Tareque Md Ali, director of MCCI, were also present at the function.
For almost three weeks, the labour unrest has caused disruptions in several businesses, including the apparel industry. Vandalism and arson have been reported as a result of the protests. Workers in Ashulia’s garment factories haven’t stopped protesting inside even after the majority of them were reopened, forcing at least thirty of them to close.
Farooq said since the new interim government took office in August, the labour unrest has spread to various areas, including Narayanganj, Savar, and Ashulia, with workers voicing various demands.
“More than 100 factories have been vandalised or set on fire, leading to the shutdown of nearly 200 factories,” he noted. “This has caused an estimated loss of around Taka 5,000 crore, though the actual loss could be higher.”
Farooq added that this financial loss estimate was based on discussions with factory owners rather than a formal survey. He urged for help from the home affairs adviser and other authorities to ensure factory security.
According to the MCCI, the economy is still contracting, the industrial sector is fragile, and the economy might not recover very rapidly if this is not addressed right once. To solve these problems, employees, company owners, the temporary administration, and law enforcement must work together.
