The recent strike called by the goods transport owner and workers demanding 9 points including amendment to the recently enacted Road Transport Act, has reportedly hit the country’s readymade garment industry and its exports.
It also impacted the buyers’ visit and travelling within Bangladesh.
“All of them (garment exporters) are complaining. Even buyers are getting stuck during factory visits,” stated President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Dr. Rubana Huq speaking to the media.
As per media reports, during the strike, the protesters vandalised vehicles, attacked workers willing to operate and blockaded roads in many districts, obstructing transportation of goods imported or meant for export.
Road communication between Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Narayanganj, along with a number of districts, were interrupted after protesters blockaded the roads during this period.
“Shipment trucks could not leave for Chittagong which is the biggest worry as it will lead to air shipments if we miss the cut-off date,” maintained Managing Director of Ananta Group Sharif Zahir, interacting with the media, adding, “We will try for extension first if not air shipment.”
As per industry insiders, air shipment is a very expensive proposition as it usually costs around 40 per cent of the value of the goods being sent.
