Bangladesh’s key garment business misplaced some $400 million as a result of unrest following the student-led protests that ousted the nation’s former premier, business leaders mentioned Sunday, insisting the scenario was now “stable.”
The South Asian nation’s 3,500 garment factories account for round 85% of its $55 billion in annual exports, however the unrest brought on vital disruptions to the linchpin business.
After months of lethal protests, ex-leader Sheikh Hasina fled by helicopter to neighboring India on Aug. 5.
An interim authorities, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took over, however protests in a string of garment factories continued with staff demanding jobs and higher pay.
Such demonstrations typically spiraled into violence. On Sept. 30, a garment employee was killed and 20 have been injured in clashes between protesters and the police.
Kalpana Akhtar, president of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, mentioned Sunday that there needed to be “a drastic change in the attitude” of manufacturing unit homeowners and the federal government.
“The discussion about pay raises only takes place when the workers take to the streets,” Akhtar advised Agence France-Presse (AFP).
She mentioned adjustments have been wanted “to ensure stability in this sector,” warning that “otherwise, the calm situation might not last.”
Bangladesh is the world’s second-biggest exporter of clothes by worth after China and provides lots of the world’s prime manufacturers, together with Levi’s, Zara and H&M.
Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, mentioned that the “industry is currently stable after going through a challenging period.”
Islam, talking to reporters on Saturday, estimated losses since August to whole round $400 million, and mentioned safety forces wanted to proceed defending the business.
“The army formed a task force to protect the factories, and they are conducting regular patrols to ensure security at the garment hubs,” Islam mentioned.
“The buyers have regained their trust in Bangladeshi apparel, but uninterrupted law and order is essential to maintain stability.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com