Protests and unrest erupted once again among garment workers in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, as several clashes broke out due to unrest over unpaid wages and job losses. The recent upheaval saw violent clashes between workers and security forces, resulting in two teenagers suffering gunshot wounds. The situation escalated quickly, turning streets of Dhaka's Mirpur area chaotic as thousands of workers protested following the abrupt closure of various garment factories.
On Thursday morning, unrest flared up around 8:30 am when workers from Creative Designers Ltd took to the streets. The closure of their factory followed days of tension, spurred by demands for improved working conditions after a confrontation between a worker and management. The situation worsened when workers from nearby factories joined the protest, leading to significant disruption and traffic chaos until late morning.
Among those injured were 17-year-old Al Amin Hossain and 15-year-old Jhuma Akhter. Both were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Eyewitness reports indicate gunfire was heard during the altercation, prompting police to act against the protesting workers, who reportedly vandalized and set fire to vehicles belonging to the law enforcement agencies.
Khadiza Akter, Secretary General of the Sammilito Garment Sramik Federation, remarked, "The confrontations were ignited by the sudden closure of Creative Designers Ltd, which was already under pressure from the workers. This situation is part of larger labor unrest affecting the garment sector, which is among the largest export earners for Bangladesh. Many factories are suspending operations, which is raising alarm bells across the industry."
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), multiple factories, including AJ Fashion Ltd and Uniform Textiles Ltd, were closed down this week, highlighting broader disruptions facing the sector.
This unrest is not isolated; garment workers across Bangladesh have been expressing their grievances for several months now, fueled by factors such as factory closures and dwindling job security. The industry, which accounts for 85% of Bangladesh's $55 billion annual exports, is grappling with challenges exacerbated by global economic downturns and declining garment orders.
Global economic challenges, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and the impact of inflation, have led to reduced demand for garments, affecting exports from major markets including the EU and the USA. Reports by Eurostat and the US Department of Commerce indicate declines among key garment exporters, with Bangladeshi exports dropping significantly during the first eight months of the year.
The situation reflects broader economic challenges facing not only Bangladesh but also other countries depending on garment exports. Bangladesh has been particularly hard hit, witnessing about $400 million estimated losses since tensions escalated, according to recent figures from BGMEA. Workers fear worsening job security and lush profits for factory owners at their expense.
This is all occurring against the backdrop of past events where workers have been protesting for wages and working conditions for years, culminating now to protests of discontent. Calls for higher wages and safer working environments echo loudly among unions, with labor leaders urging factory owners to engage with workers more effectively to avert future unrest, arguing keeping factories closed will not solve issues but may lead to larger disruptions.
Despite this upheaval, there is cautious optimism. Jobs are still valued highly within this industry, and many want to return to work. Several factories, particularly those outside the conflict areas, are still operational, exhibiting resilience. Khayrul Mamun Mintu, Legal Secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers Trade Union, expressed hope, emphasizing, "Most factories remain active, and workers are thirsty to return. It is imperative for factory owners to communicate appropriately and resolve disputes amicably to restore order. Any failure on their part would reflect poorly on them."
Industrial Police are working with factory owners and BGMEA to address workers' concerns and reopen facilities. The continual closure of factories only puts additional pressure on those still operating efficiently. Commotion at closed factories indicates the workers’ determination to return, and leaders highlight the importance of dialogue to prevent longer-term wrestling.
With Bangladesh being the second-largest exporter of garments globally, the impact of such unrest could echo through not only its economy but also through global supply chains. Workers are clinging to hope as they urge improvements amid fears stemming from recent job losses and closures of long-running factories. These protests may be indicative of underlying issues needing urgent resolutions if the country hopes to sustain its garment sector in the current economic climate.
The heart of these protests lies not simply within wages or hours but reflects the workers’ yearning for stability and respect within their ever-vulnerable livelihoods. Addressing their grievances tactfully and swiftly could bring long-term benefits to both the workforce and the power players overseeing the garment trade.
