Eliminate worker dissatisfaction

Labor unrest in the Savar-Ashulia and Gazipur industrial areas remains a growing concern, with tensions spreading beyond Dhaka to various districts across the country. This escalating situation poses a significant threat to both the nation's economy and its political stability.

The ongoing protests have led to a halt in exports, impacting dollar earnings and potentially affecting imports as well. As reported in the media on Wednesday, September 11, approximately 183 factories in Ashulia and Gazipur were closed due to garment workers' demonstrations. Additionally, warehouse of the Bigboss Corporation was set on fire in the Kashimpur area of Gazipur. The unrest has now extended to six districts.

Since August 31, workers in Gazipur and Savar-Ashulia have been protesting for several demands, including increased attendance bonuses, higher tiffin bills, and an end to layoffs. They have also called for equal employment rights for men and women in factories. Despite a brief period of calm, protests resumed in Gazipur last Tuesday. Although the BGMEA, an association of garment industry owners, had pledged last Monday to address some of these demands, including raising the attendance bonus for Ashulia workers, the situation remains unresolved.

Despite the assurances given by the BGMEA, the workers' unrest persists for several reasons. Trust in these assurances may be low, and there might be underlying issues that are not being addressed fully. Additionally, there could be broader political motivations or aspirations influencing the protests. In the current climate of widespread agitation and dissatisfaction, many individuals feel deprived and are seizing opportunities to voice their grievances. The situation is further complicated by a general sense of unrest among the populace, exacerbated by frequent power outages due to the gas crisis and the closure of factories.

The government's discomfort with these escalating protests is evident, and if public discontent grows alongside labor unrest, the situation could become even more challenging for the administration. To restore stability, it is crucial to resolve the workers' grievances and reopen the factories. Bringing workers back from the streets and resuming operations is essential for normalizing the situation. Factory owners must consider the long-term benefits and drawbacks of addressing workers' concerns. Many of these owners have accumulated significant wealth over the past two decades, often at the expense of worker welfare.

Compared to their counterparts in countries like Vietnam, Bangladeshi garment workers' standard of living is notably lower and needs improvement. The government should address the workers' demands while also urging patience. Since the current administration is relatively new, it requires time to address these issues effectively. Instability could benefit external parties, leading to further complications for the country. Therefore, it is imperative for the government, workers, and factory owners to approach the situation with wisdom and compassion.