Mirpur labour unrest may cause Tk6.19b loss

BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) is now working on a proper assessment of the financial losses faced by the ready made garment units due to the recent labour unrest in the capital city's Mirpur area.
BGMEA President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez told The Daily Star yesterday that as per a primary assessment the RMG sector might incur a loss of approximately Tk 6.19 billion as more than 300 RMG units announced closure for three days.
"Now, we are busy in negotiation with the government, workers' federation leaders and the workers of the affected garment factories. We hope to assess the financial loss properly soon," he said.
When asked what steps BGMEA has taken to resolve such frequent labour unrest, Parvez said primarily it is the government's responsibility.
"Rather, the BGMEA or the exporters could only take measures on how to enhance production of the export items and reduce the lead time to become more competitive in the world market," he said.
Parvez said the BGMEA has been waiting for the government's move as it has already assured the RMG exporters of taking punitive actions against those involved in the Mirpur labour unrest. Meanwhile, Labour and Employment Adviser Anwarul Iqbal at an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday uttered the government's stand on such actions against the mastermind.
During the meeting, a probe body was formed with Commerce Secretary Feroz Ahmed as its head to find out the reasons for the frequent labour unrest in the garment factories. The committee is scheduled to submit its findings within seven days.
The adviser also said the government's intelligence teams have already identified the mastermind.
The RMG workers demonstrated in Mirpur area to demand pay-hike, medical facilities and immediate payment of arrears, which paralysed life and business in the city's garment industry hub for three days.
Over 300 factories across Mirpur-10, Mirpur-13, Mirpur-14, Pallabi, Shewra Para, Kazi Para and adjacent areas now remain closed fearing attacks from workers.