At least 52 garment factories closed in Chattogram in the last six months

At least 52 garment factories have been closed in Chattogram in the last six months. During the same period, work orders have decreased by about 25 percent, leaving several thousand workers jobless. Ahead of the upcoming Eid, uncertainty has also arisen regarding the payment of wages and allowances for 21,000 workers employed in 44 factories. According to industrial police data, 44 factories in Chattogram have been identified as 'risky', where a crisis has emerged regarding the payment of wages and allowances.

Owners say this situation has been created due to a decrease in work orders and financial crisis. Industrial police statistics show that due to low work orders, there is a risk of worker unrest in eight factories in the Kalurghat BSCIC industrial area, six in CEPZ, six in Double Mooring, five in Pahartali, three in KEPZ, three in Bayezid, and another 13 factories in the city and upazilas. Workers allege that whenever a crisis arises, the blame is shifted onto their shoulders. Many have become unemployed, while others are spending their days in uncertainty.

Due to a lack of work orders, it is not possible to pay wages and allowances in many factories. Most of the factories that closed in the last six months were operating on sub-contracts, but large factories are also in crisis now. There is a fear of worker unrest arising in the 44 factories facing a crisis over wages and allowances. In the past, problems regarding wages and bonuses were seen in these factories. The industrial police report also highlighted that the factories are in a financial crisis.

Along with the decrease in work orders, political and economic complexities have also been identified as one of the reasons for the crisis. Several factories of a few institutions have been closed in the last six months. Some factories were subjected to attacks, and some factories could not survive the financial crisis. Production has stopped in many factories as buyers did not take delivery of goods on time. If the situation does not normalize, there is apprehension that many more factories will close in the future.