Following several days of labor unrest, authorities closed and declared holidays for 219 factories last Thursday (September 12). However, by Saturday (September 14), most of these factories had reopened, with 29 more opening today (Sunday, September 15).

This morning, the Industrial Police reported that 29 factories resumed operations today. The day before, 170 of the closed and on-holiday factories had resumed production.

According to the Industrial Police, amid the labor unrest, 86 garment factories were shut down indefinitely last Thursday, while another 133 factories were given a general holiday. As the work environment improved, production resumed in 50 of the 86 factories on Saturday (September 14). Today, production has started in another 18 of the previously closed factories. Additionally, production has resumed in 11 of the 13 factories that had been placed on holiday. Currently, operations remain halted in 20 factories overall.

Factory owners stated that although workers entered 4-5 factories this morning, production was temporarily halted due to various demands. After discussions with the factory management, the workers eventually returned to work.

According to sources from the BGMEA, 18 garment factories, including Generation Next, Sun Sweater, Mascot Fashion, and Pearl Garments, remain closed under Section 13(1) of the labor law.

Mohammad Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police for Industrial Police-1, said, “The situation is much better today. Production has resumed in all garment factories except 20. Law enforcement remains vigilant, and joint patrols continue to ensure security in the industrial area.”