The New Nation - Internet Edition

IN the wake of subversive labour movements in the export-oriented readymade garment (RMG) industries, owners of about 100 factories from the Gazipur area have reportedly threatened to close down their shops unless authorities ensure foolproof security within the current month. According to a report of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, the RMG sector experienced at least 72 incidents of violent labour unrest within the first six months of the current year, with as many as twenty-two incidents in April alone.

Unfounded causes including rumoured killing or torture of workers were behind the unrest. In addition to the alleged involvement of saboteurs in spreading rumours to instigate unrest, political factors might have a role. The recent allegation from a political circle against the RMG owners of not giving the workers their due has been viewed with contempt. In an environment of insecurity it is difficult to continue production in more than eight hundred garment units located in the area. Due to violent labour movements during the last fifteen days alone, the sector had reportedly incurred about Tk 800 crore loss.

Garment is the largest industrial sector in the country having about five thousand units. This sector accounts for nearly 75 percent of US$14.11 billion of the country's annual export earnings. It provides employment to more than 25 lakh workers. The threat of closure of factories underlines the gravity of the situation in the sector.

This lifeline of the national economy is in dire need of protection on an urgent basis. All stakeholders including the security agencies of the government should come forward to identify and nab the trouble mongers and saboteurs that instigate unrest in the sector time and again. The sector should be brought under tight security umbrella with the formation of industrial police. Along with these measures, efforts must be made to create production-friendly workers-management relations.