Bangladesh Railway is planning to undertake two new development projects involving an estimated investment of Tk 333.08 billion, officials said, as the country simultaneously grapples with growing concerns over labour unrest in the readymade garment (RMG) sector ahead of the national elections.

Meanwhile, the National Security Intelligence (NSI) has warned of a high risk of widespread instability in the RMG industry, driven by factory closures, negative export growth for three consecutive months, rising production costs, and ongoing wage disputes. The sector employs around four million workers and remains the country’s largest export earner.

According to the NSI report, more than 238 garment factories closed between August and October 2025, leaving over 103,000 workers unemployed. Authorities fear the unemployed workforce and ongoing protests over unpaid wages and minimum wage demands could be exploited by political or opportunistic groups in the pre-election period.

The labour ministry said it has received the intelligence warning and is taking precautionary measures, including monitoring wage payments and coordinating with law enforcement and industry bodies to prevent large-scale unrest.