BGMEA refutes report of factory closure over gas, power crisis

In a press release issued here today, the country’s apex garment exporters’ body described the information as “completely false and baseless.”

“Reports circulated by some newspapers, online news portals and social media platforms had created unnecessary confusion among stakeholders and could undermine the stability of the country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry,” it said.

BGMEA said that despite gas and power shortages, its member factories have managed to keep their production activities operational with the support of the government.

It said factory owners were making every possible effort to maintain production under the existing constraints to ensure uninterrupted export operations.

BGMEA also clarified that many factories would remain closed on Thursday to adjust with the upcoming government holiday on August 5 and the weekly holiday.

The adjustment would be made later in accordance with the labour rules.

It said such scheduling is a normal operational practice adopted during periods of gas shortages and has no connection with permanent or temporary factory closures.

The association warned that publishing unverified reports on factory shutdowns could create serious confusion and unnecessary concern among local and international buyers and business partners.

It said such misinformation could damage the credibility that Bangladesh’s RMG sector has earned over the years and put at risk the livelihoods of millions of workers who depend on the industry.

Describing the readymade garment sector as the backbone of the country’s economy, BGMEA urged media organisations and all concerned to disseminate objective and verified information in the greater interest of the industry, reports BSS.