Prolonged garment worker-owner conflict could put economy at risk: Speakers

A prolonged conflict between garment workers and factory owners could put Bangladesh’s entire economy at risk, speakers at a National Citizen Party (NCP) roundtable in Chattogram have warned, calling for an early political resolution to the ongoing industrial unrest.

They also alleged that vested interest groups at home and abroad were attempting to destabilise the country’s largest export-oriented industry.

The remarks came at a roundtable titled “Domestic and Foreign Conspiracies Surrounding Bangladesh’s Garment Industry and Ways to Address Them”, organised by the NCP’s Chattogram metropolitan unit at Chattogram Press Club today (9 November).

Arif Mainuddin, member secretary of the NCP’s Chattogram metropolitan unit, said garment workers received low wages and often lived in harsh conditions, making an increase in their pay essential. At the same time, factory owners faced extortion and demands for bribes at different levels to run their businesses, he said.

“The garment industry is the lifeblood of Bangladesh’s economy. If the conflict between workers and owners is deliberately prolonged, the entire economy will be put at risk. A political solution is urgently needed to overcome this crisis,” he said.

The roundtable was presided over by Sazzad Hossain, joint convener of the NCP’s Chattogram metropolitan unit, and moderated by its Senior Joint Convener Jasim Uddin Opel.

Ifat Ibrahim, Chattogram divisional organising secretary of Jatiya Jubo Shakti, attended as the chief guest, while Arif Mainuddin delivered the keynote address.

The speakers alleged that certain vested interest groups and foreign competitors were fomenting instability in the garment sector to undermine Bangladesh’s economy.

They called for an in-depth investigation into the causes of factory fires, labour unrest and the loss of jobs for thousands of workers.

They also urged the government, factory owners and workers to work together to safeguard the industry and ensure its stability.

NCP leaders and activists from different levels, journalists and members of the public attended the event.