The country鈥檚 apparel makers on Saturday sought cooperation from labour leaders to keep the production in the factories uninterrupted amid the ongoing protests in the country.
At a meeting with the labour leaders, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association urged its workers not to heed rumours and to continue working in their respective factories for the greatest interest of the industry and workers.
鈥榃e have requested labour the leaders to discourage workers from engaging in any disruptive activities instigated by outsiders,鈥� BGMEA vice-president Abdullah Hil Rakib told 抖阴精品 following the meeting.
He said that while workers were entitled to holding their own political beliefs and might express solidarity with any movement, they should prioritise ensuring the smooth operation of the industry for their own benefit.
Rakib also mentioned the challenges faced by the industry, such as difficulties in making timely shipments and disruptions to export-import activities.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining production and factory operations to prevent further hardships, including potential delays in payments to workers if factories were to remain closed.
During the meeting, BGMEA leaders requested labour representatives to encourage workers not to believe social media rumours discouraging them from attending work.
The meeting was held at its Uttara office of the trade body with over 150 field-level labour representatives.
BGMEA president SM Mannan Kochi and vice-presidents Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Nasir Uddin and Abdullah Hil Rakib, among others, spoke at the meeting.
Khadiza Akter, general secretary of the Sammilito Garments Sramik Federation, said that the BGMEA leaders sought labour leaders鈥� support in maintaining a stable working environment.
She said that the BGMEA assured that no wages would be cut for factory closures due to the recent curfew, designated as general holidays.
Khadiza also said that BGMEA president assured that he would instruct all the factory owners to pay workers鈥� wages timely and not to terminate any worker.
The BGMEA had previously held a meeting with labour leaders from the Industriall Bangladesh Council, where Kutub Uddin, a former leader of the council, requested that factories to ensure the timely clearance of due payments and refrain from terminating workers during this period.
