Business leaders from Bangladesh’s textile, garment, and related industries on Saturday strongly condemned the attack on Mahmud Jeans Ltd deputy managing director Rafee Mahmud.

Rafee Mahmud, who is also the son of the factory’s owner, was allegedly attacked by workers on Thursday evening. The workers were reportedly protesting over unpaid wages.

In a joint statement, organisations including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Association condemned the incident.

The statement described the attack as not just an assault on an individual but on the entire industry.

‘Every entrepreneur is deeply shocked by the incident, which could discourage new investments and negatively impact foreign direct investment,’ the statement read.

The trade bodies called on the government to take strict punitive measures against those responsible and to implement safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The organisations also urged the interim government to ensure the safety of the readymade garment sector and other industries, alleging that a vested interest group was attempting to destabilise the RMG sector.