Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector witnessed over thousand incidents of unrest, including work stoppages, road blockades and vandalism, from August to December 2024, according to a report.
During this period, 1,108 incidents were recorded across key industrial areas, with November seeing 158 cases—98 in Tongi, Gazipur, 33 in Ashulia and Savar, and 20 in Dhaka city—largely driven by wage disputes.
By December 26, 2024, a total of 142 RMG factories were shut down, including 67 permanently and 77 temporarily.
Permanently closed units are located in the industrial belts of Ashulia, Gazipur and Narayanganj, while the temporary closures occurred in factories situated in Chattogram and Mymensingh, according to the report.
The report attributed the closures to labour unrest caused by raw material shortages, worker terminations, irregular wage payments and a lack of work orders.
Additionally, 93 non-RMG factories were shut down during this period—46 permanently and 47 temporarily.
The report also included a list of 35 individuals, mostly labour leaders, some of whom were employed in garment factories, while others had political affiliations.
These individuals were accused of instigating the labour unrest.
The report recommended that the government enhance its vigilance over these labour leaders and take swift action against those identified.
Another list of labour organisations was included in the special report on labour unrest in the garment sector prepared by the Home Ministry and sent to top officials of the Ministries of Industries, Labour, and Commerce on January 5.
The report, citing data from the Industrial Police, noted that 74 garment factories failed to pay October wages in November.
It also warned that 77 apparel units might be unable to pay December wages in January, potentially triggering labour unrest in those factories.
It highlighted that approximately 31,000 garment workers lost their jobs due to the closure of 16 factories under the Beximco Group and suggested labour migration abroad as an alternative to mitigate potential unrest.
The report expressed concern that jobless workers might otherwise engage in criminal activities.
To prevent disruptions in the country’s largest foreign exchange-earning sector, which generated $36.13 billion in the financial year 2024-25, the report made several recommendations.
These included negotiating with factory authorities to ensure outstanding wages are paid, facilitating discussions with workers, and preventing terminations that violate labour laws.
The report recommended announcing a fixed date, in a planned manner, for clearing dues and paying wages in factories that have yet to compensate their workers.
It also urged investigating potential political motives behind factories failing to make timely wage payments and identifying any foreign involvement with rights organisations in fomenting labour unrest, suggesting increased vigilance as necessary.
From August 1 to December 27, a total of 31 cases were filed in connection with labour unrest, leading to 171 arrests, while 41 individuals are currently on bail.
The report added that two of the 35 identified instigators had been apprehended, with 92 workers under regular surveillance.
Additional recommendations included a proactive role by law enforcement agencies in addressing unrest related to the jhut (garment waste) trade and ensuring all workers receive Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) cards to purchase essentials at fair prices.
Commerce ministry acting secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan confirmed receiving the report and said that the ministry was addressing the issue.
He added that discussions with relevant stakeholders would be held shortly but did not disclose further details.