Readymade garment (RMG) entrepreneurs expressed their support to member factories that want to enforce the "no work, no pay" policy under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006, amid the ongoing workers' unrest at a consultation on the continuing crisis and resolution paths for Ashulia's garment factories held at the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Complex in Uttara, on 13 September 2024.

BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, who chaired the meeting, announced that all garment factories would remain open on Sunday due to government security assurances. However, he added that factory owners could close their businesses under Section 13/1 of the Labour Law (no work, no pay) if they faced unrest and wished to do so.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam said, “Despite government assurances, unrest in the garment industry continues, fueled by the influence of local political groups. While negotiations were initially sought, the situation has escalated to a point where implementing Section 13(1) of the Labour Law (no work, no pay) seems necessary. Manufacturers have informed the BGMEA of their intention to implement this measure, paving the way for a dialogue between workers and owners.”

While, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan urged all RMG factory owners to keep their units open on Sunday (15 September), promising them that special measures would be taken if any factory faced unrest.

Industries Adviser warned that if any quarter attempts to close factories to jeopardize the country's economy, it will face consequences.

He said, “The government has formed a committee to resolve the emerging issues in the garment sector. The committee will work swiftly to fix the problems through discussions with all parties involved.”

Adilur Rahman Khan stressed the need to restore the culture of working together, which had deteriorated over time.

At the event, Ha-meem Group Chairman AK Azad, a former FBCCI president, said that the committee formed to monitor labor-related complaints has been given one month.

"If you assure us of security, we will keep the factories running. Otherwise, the garment factories will be declared closed indefinitely by labor laws," Azad said.

Later in the event, Babul Akhter, General Secretary of the Garments and Industrial Workers Federation said, "Mid-level management mistreats workers. Workers are deprived of their rightful dues in the BGMEA's arbitration process. Neither the government nor the owners have listened to the workers."

In response to his remarks, factory owners started to protest loudly. Then, labor leaders called on the workers to abstain from vandalizing the factories and urged them to return to work starting Sunday.

In response, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said, "This cannot happen. This is not a solution."

Farida Akhter further added, "The government will take action regarding any garment factories facing issues. If any group tries to harm the country's economy by closing factories, we will take note of that as well."

Labor Adviser Asif Mahmud said, "Due to the establishment of a democratic environment in the country, workers, like many others, are now voicing their concerns. A labor-related committee has been formed to address their complaints, and it has already begun working on these issues. However, it cannot be said that there is no conspiracy involved in the workers' movement at all."

The labor adviser further mentioned that the government has already begun working on implementing a rationing system for workers.

Additionally, the process of withdrawing the cases filed during last year's wage increase movement has also started, he said.

The government will ensure that all opportunities for forming trade unions, as permitted within the labor law, are upheld, Asif said.

"Those who create unrest outside of these processes will face strict action," he said, adding that no leniency will be shown in such cases.

According to the BGMEA, 36 factories remained closed yesterday as per Section 13(1) of the Labour Act while two factories remained closed but gave salaries to the workers.

Over 1,500 people were sued in nine cases filed over attacks, vandalism, and looting of various RMG factories amidst the labor unrest in the Ashulia industrial zone.

In addition, other high-level dignitaries in the exchange meeting, Major General Muhammad Moin Khan – General Officer Commanding (GOC), 9th Infantry Division & Area Commander, Savar Area; representatives of various law enforcement agencies, BKMEA President, Mohammad Hatem; BGMEA past presidents, BGMEA board members and general members of BGMEA participated.