The session was presided over by BGMEA Administrator Md Anwar Hossain called for ongoing support from military and law enforcement to maintain stability across various sectors, including textiles.
Key topics of discussion at this gathering centred around law-and-order issues impacting the industrial sector.
Factory delegates discussed security measures and highlighted the need for resolving conflicts between management and workers through dialogue. There was a consensus on staying alert to prevent any worker unrest.
The “view-exchange meeting” was attended by representatives from BGMEA, the Bangladesh Army, Industrial Police, Department of Factory Inspection, and district commissioners of Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. Intelligence agencies such as DGFI, NSI, SB, and DB were also present alongside representatives from garment factories.
The session was presided over by BGMEA Administrator Md Anwar Hossain, with major general Md Moin Khan, GOC of the 9th Infantry Division leading the delegation from the joint forces. Additional IGP of Industrial Police and members of the BGMEA Support Committee were also in attendance.
In addition, the Bangladesh Army pledged to sustain a secure setting in industrial zones and encouraged factory owners to take legal action against criminals identified via CCTV.
Moin Khan reassured textile entrepreneurs of the Bangladesh Army's steadfast backing. He pointed out that with the army's direct involvement, operational normalcy has been achieved in 99% of factories across Gazipur, Savar-Ashulia, Dhamrai, and Narayanganj.
The army would persist in supporting the textile sector to propel economic growth, the statement from BGMEA says.
The Industrial Police stated their commitment to upholding the law and preventing disruptions within industrial operations while ensuring accountability for those responsible.
During the meeting, all participants agreed to collaborate in fostering a peaceful and efficient working environment within the textile sector.
This meeting followed an incident where Rafee Mahmud, deputy managing director of denim factory Mahmud Jeans, was assaulted by individuals posing as workers.
A statement signed by leaders of various employee associations said: “This attack is not only an assault on an individual but an attack on the entire industry. Such an attack on the entrepreneur has shocked every entrepreneurial family in this industry. This incident will not only discourage future entrepreneurs but also have a negative impact on the investment decisions of potential foreign investors.”
The leaders called for justice against those behind this heinous act and measures to prevent recurrence. They urged government action to protect all industries, especially the RMG sector—a cornerstone of Bangladesh's exports.
“On behalf of the business community, we demand that all perpetrators of this brutal act be brought to justice and all necessary actions be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” the statement reads.
Last month, Md Anwar Hossain thanked global brands for their continued support of the country’s garment industry and encouraged them to continue and deepen their collaboration in future.
The meeting at BGMEA Complex focused on discussing various law and order challenges within the industrial sector. Credit: Salahuddin Ahmed Paulash/Shutterstock.
