The recent labour unrest at readymade garment factories in Dhaka’s Ashulia and Gazipur is reportedly linked to a power struggle between local BNP-backed leaders and ousted AL-linked figures. This conflict over control of the RMG sector is destabilising export-driven industries.
Factory owners and law enforcement agencies attribute the violence to attempts by BNP-affiliated leaders to seize dominance in industrial areas previously controlled by AL-backed figures, following the regime change.
Nearly 129 RMG factories were shut down on Thursday afternoon as the situation escalated, although it had remained stable in the morning.
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the ongoing protests in the export-oriented industries began on August 19 at the Dhaka EPZ gate, where a group of people started demonstrating, demanding jobs. The protest spread to nearby factories, though the initial impact was minimal.
Industry insiders, workers and law enforcement sources reported that on August 31, around 10,000 workers from Nassa Group began vandalising factories. They forced other factory owners, including Al-Muslim Group, to shut down and urged their workers to join the protests.
They also vandalised several factories as owners and workers refused to halt production. Since then, these areas have seen ongoing labour unrest and frequent factory closures.
It is worth noting that Nassa Group Chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder has close ties with ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Recently, the central bank dissolved the EXIM Bank board, where Mazumder also served as chairman.
BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib told The Business Post, “Jhut trading, politics and other vested groups are involved in these so-called protests. Their intention goes beyond the RMG sector, aiming to create nationwide instability. When factories fend off one group of outsiders, another often returns to launch further attacks, resulting in closures.”
“Our workers want to stay in the factories and do their jobs. But vested groups are trying to create anarchy and we have identified many of the vandals wearing lungis and linked to local teen gangs,” he added.
Why the unrest?
Following the unrest, RMG manufacturers held separate meetings with top government officials and law enforcement agencies. During the discussions, officials pointed to the initial protest at the Nassa Group factory in Ashulia, where a senior official threatened workers with closure. Workers were demanding improved facilities and the situation escalated when they were threatened with layoffs. Angry workers took to the streets, persuading labourers from other factories to join them, leading to vandalism at Al-Muslim Garment and other factories.
Law enforcement agencies explained that the jhut business was previously controlled by local Awami League leaders. After the authoritarian Awami League regime was overthrown by a student revolution on August 5, BNP-backed local leaders tried to take control of the business. Meanwhile, the AL is attempting a political comeback, with significant support within the RMG sector.
"As the RMG sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, the AL has chosen this sector, and both groups are trying to take the control of this sector, creating instability in this export-driven industry," a meeting insider told The Business Post, citing reports from law enforcement agencies.
Why is the situation still unstable?
Industry insiders say the Industrial Police are responsible for ensuring factory security. However, during the student revolution, some police officers were involved in mass killings, and many were responsible for burning protesters’ bodies in Ashulia. As students attacked police stations and personnel, the police became traumatised, leaving them hesitant to confront workers or even ordinary people.
Following the regime change, many police officers went into hiding, though they had previously played a key role in controlling protests. Newly appointed officers now face a lack of experience. While the Bangladesh Army has been deployed nationwide, it cannot fully manage the situation without police support.
BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam said, “The government has assured us that a joint force will enhance security. We have CCTV footage and video evidence, which will be handed over to the security forces. We believe the necessary steps will be taken before Saturday.
“We have also met with worker leaders and are working to organise a stakeholder meeting before Saturday,” he added.
BGMEA Director Shovon Islam said, “Buyers are confident in the Yunus government and we have been receiving a good number of orders. Amid this situation, a vested group is trying to create further instability in the RMG sector and we must protect it.”
“Local people, students and workers should cooperate with the Bangladesh Army to control the situation. As far as we know, local people have already come out to ensure factory security,” he added.
