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Further unrest in our RMG industry must be avoided  

Published : Monday, 1 January, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 513
Dr Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury
It is widely known that the countrys apparel industry, a major source of foreign currency acquisition, serves as a prominent sector for export revenue. The joint efforts of the government, owners, officials, workers, and employees in this industry have facilitated the collection, production, and global market integration of products at a minimal cost. Through collaborative efforts and mutual agreements, unprecedented opportunities have been created for the expansion and growth of this industry in the workspace. Massive investments in machinery, strategic imports of raw materials, and efficient inventory management have earned commendation for owners in the export market. Particularly, industrious women in urban, suburban, and rural areas have been recognized as a bright example of untapped potential in the workforce.

Many women, with limited education and skills, have enriched themselves through self-improvement and competency acquisition, making this industry more prosperous. In the analysis of global market dynamics, it is evident that despite diverse challenges and tough competition, owners actively engage in procuring goods from foreign countries to sustain the countrys economic activities through export-oriented labor.

Bangladesh has already secured the second position globally, competing with countries like Vietnam, Turkey, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, the United States, etc. The garment industry, as a symbol of resilience, is constantly addressing the intricacies of diversity and intense global competition to actively participate in procurement and export activities, maintaining its position as a singular force for the nation.

Recently, the deep-rooted issue of unrest in the garment industry, both domestically and internationally, is escalating with alarming intensity. Centered around the upcoming national parliamentary elections, political volatility, unrest, and violence have found their way into the garment sector, as some opportunistic elements are conducting untrained labor management practices.

Over the past few months, focusing on the increase in workers wages in the garment industry has resulted in anarchic turmoil in two specific areas of Dhaka-vandalism, attacks on garment factories, and disruption of public transportation, along with instances of law enforcement facing resistance from certain workers identified as instigators of violence, have cast an ominous shadow over the apparel industry.

Lack of adequate knowledge and experience in dealing with such unprecedented acts of sabotage is, in many cases, hampering the active participation of workers. Despite the Labor Boards decision during a meeting with factory owners and worker representatives on November 7th, 2023, to set the minimum monthly wage for garment workers in Bangladesh between BDT 8,000 and BDT 12,500, some factions of workers are persistently demanding a monthly wage ranging from BDT 23,000 to BDT 25,000, fueling ongoing protests.

In a recent joint initiative by the United Workers Council, organized on December 23rd, 2023, the speakers declared that if the demands of the workers were not met, a nationwide work stoppage and a continuous shutdown of all factories in the garment sector would commence from January 1st,2024. They also emphasized the need for solidarity across all sectors. According to public sentiment, the lack of any real affiliation between the United Workers Council and genuine garment worker organizations has become evident. Primarily fueled by the contentious endeavors of parties associated with the ongoing political turmoil in the run-up to the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary elections, these attempts continue to plague the garment industry with unprecedented labor unrest.

The disruptive activities such as strikes and blockades, rather than proving successful in the countrys economic disarray, only tarnish the image of the garment sector, both nationally and internationally. The minimum effort should be made to avoid causing irreparable damage to the countrys socio-economic fabric, including the garment industry, domestically and abroad.

Speaking in a discussion reported by the media, Kazi Jafar, a member of the opposition partys standing committee and chairman, Adviser to the Civil Unity, convener of the Bhasani Anusari Council, and a key figure in the State Culture Movement, expressed concern about the current situation, emphasizing the need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.With awareness and widespread public knowledge, on November 16th, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum titled Global Empowerment of Workers Rights and High Labor Standards Development, aiming to ensure labor rights, labor standards, and their humane livelihoods. The announcement of this new policy in the United States has particularly sparked concerns among Bangladeshs apparel entrepreneurs, especially in the context of labor rights. According to them, if the United States enforces the new policy on labor rights for any reason, it could have a significant impact on the countrys garment sector.

In a letter sent to the Commerce Secretary in Washington, the Bangladesh Embassy expressed concerns about the potential implications of the new policy on labor rights in the country. According to diplomatic sources, this new policy could become a focal point in Bangladesh concerning labor rights. If labor rights are violated, this policy provides an opportunity for accusations against individuals, institutions, or the state.

According to international analysts, the United States was already planning to take a tough stance on labor rights in Bangladesh. Therefore, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations is making efforts globally to emphasize the importance of labor rights in all countries. Additionally, they have integrated the issue of labor rights with national security.

On December 15th, 2023, eight members of Bangladeshs Congress invited the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) to express support for the fair wage demands of garment workers in the country. In a letter, they mentioned the pressure on the Bangladeshi government and garment manufacturers to raise wages for garment workers. They stated, The recent wage increase announced by the Bangladesh Wage Board is not consistent with the current cost of living.

As a result, widespread protests have been observed in the country. The police have expressed opposition, and trade union leaders have faced violent reactions. Not only have four people been killed, but numerous others have been injured. Incidents of arrest, detention, and factory closures for unspecified reasons have also occurred. Without retaliation, violence, or fear, the Biden administration has urged the Bangladeshi government to respect and protect the rights of workers and support a fair determination process for minimum wages.

In the face of global challenges, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, rising commodity prices, and the dollar crisis, a thorough analysis of workers demands for a minimum salary of 23-25 thousand during turmoil is essential.

While some owners may appear affluent in the media, businesses are being lost due to natural disasters, political instability, and mismanagement. Foreign orders have dropped by 25-30%, and garment values have decreased by 20-25%. Entrepreneurs have already lost 40-45% of businesses due to global downturns and political instability. The President of the BGMEA emphasizes the urgency of addressing internal garment industry crises, rejecting political instability and strikes that deepen industry losses.

Economists stress the need for a swift, united effort to ensure overall prosperity, moving beyond reliance on remittances. Failure to maintain a unified effort may lead to disparities in various sectors, necessitating consistent integrated efforts for the nations economic well-being. Citizens must remember that a government change through constitutional means, as facilitated by elections, is essential.

Victory or defeat in elections should not be seen as a path to the countrys destruction. In the spirit of the great liberation war, avoiding strikes, violence, and lawlessness is vital to maintain the nations economic harmony for the peoples welfare.

The writer is Educator, former Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong University


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