Thaindian News

Dhaka, June 23 (IANS) About 250 readymade garment units located on the outskirts of Dhaka, which saw violent protests by workers over closure of factories during last three days, resumed operations Wednesday morning after a government assurance regarding security.
At least 250 people, including workers, police personnel and journalists, were injured in clashes over the weekend.

The workers joined duty at about 8:00 a.m. Wednesday and the situation was “quite normal” at 11:30 a.m., The Daily Star reported on its website.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) had Monday decided to close all apparel units in Ashulia industrial township for an indefinite period in the wake of labour unrest during the past few days.

The workers have been agitating for a minimum pay of Tk 5,000 ($86) per month while the employers do not want to go beyond Tk 1,800 ($26) per month.

The factories resumed work after a series of meetings with ministers, lawmakers, workers representatives and officials of law enforcement agencies.

“We have decided to resume operations upon an assurance of security from the government,” Abdul Salam Murshedy, president of BGMEA said.

Readymade garments and knitwear are Bangladesh’s largest export earners, netting $12 billion in 2009.

The twin-sector employs three million workers, mostly women.

However, industrial violence is common in this sector.

A global survey by the Vienna-based International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), has categorised Bangladeshi workers in this sector as “the world’s most poorly paid”.

Wage agreements signed in the past have not been adhered to.

The shutdown of the garment factories in Ashulia has given rise to fear of economic losses.

Employers told The Daily Star that they feared delays in shipments and might have to send consignments by air, leading to heavy losses.