No protest by closing the factory

Medicine is a critical, life-saving product that is more dependent on service than on trade. Unfortunately, it is also a product manufactured in factories, which requires a workforce. Certain emergency medications are crucial for the well-being of individuals such as diabetics, pregnant women, children, and cancer patients. Any disruption in their access to these medications can pose serious risks to their health.

According to news reports published last Wednesday, September 4, labor protests are currently affecting more than 19 pharmaceutical factories across the country. As a result, medicine production has been severely disrupted. Pharmaceutical industry owners have described this situation as a national crisis and have requested urgent intervention and security from the government.

Pharmaceutical industry owners have reported that the supply of medicines is currently being maintained using existing stockpiles. However, if this deadlock persists, it could lead to a significant crisis in the country’s medicine supply, disrupting medical services for many people. To address this potential threat, the industry owners have urgently called for the resumption of production activities in all affected factories. This appeal was made during an emergency press conference held on Tuesday, September 3, focusing on the safety and operational continuity of pharmaceutical factories.

Workers at several pharmaceutical factories have been protesting since the fourth week of last month, demanding 21 specific changes. Their demands include salary increases, job regularization, and the implementation of a two-day weekend. Regardless of whether these demands are reasonable, it is crucial for pharmaceutical industry owners and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) to address this issue promptly.

A prolonged closure of pharmaceutical factories due to ongoing protests could have severe repercussions, particularly affecting the pharmaceutical industry and, most critically, patients who rely on these medications. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, industry owners stated during the press conference that they are open to discussing all worker demands. They emphasized that actions such as marches, blockades, or other disruptive measures are unlawful and do not align with proper procedures.

Currently, the domestic pharmaceutical market in Bangladesh is valued at over 13,000 crore taka, with the international market exceeding 650 crore taka. The sector is experiencing a growth rate of approximately 9 percent. The country boasts 850 government-registered pharmaceutical factories and 269 private companies specializing in allopathic drug manufacturing. Together, these entities fulfill 98 percent of the nation’s pharmaceutical needs and export medications to over 160 countries worldwide.

We urge the relevant government authorities to address this situation as a matter of urgency. Delaying action on such a critical issue is not acceptable and could lead to severe consequences.