The export-oriented garment industry suffered a loss of Tk 22,000 crore due to the quota reform movement. Losses were incurred in manufacturing, wages of workers and dyeing, washing and accessories industries.

However, due to this unforeseen event, overseas buyers have assured that they will not cancel orders and request air shipment.

BGMEA president said, due to production stoppage for 4/5 days, there has been a loss of Tk 7,400 crore in the export-oriented garment industry. Apart from this, there has been a loss of 11 thousand 500 crores due to workers’ salaries and allowances. And the washing, dyeing, finishing and accessories industry suffered a loss of 3 thousand crore taka.

He said, they (foreign buyers) have been doing business in Bangladesh for a long time. They are aware of the political situation in Bangladesh. They were a bit worried as there was no internet connection. They called for ensuring uninterrupted and fast internet service. They advised to contact the Minister of State for ICT in this regard. Buyers have assured us that they will not cancel the order if they are unable to export the goods on time due to 4-5 days of production shutdown. Do not ask for a discount. Won’t even ask for air shipment.

Calling for the garment industry to be strike-free, the BGMEA president said that in the past, the garment industry was free from strike-blockade. So in the future, those who will give programs like hartal-blockade, hope they will keep the garment industry free from the scope of hartal-blockade. He also said that buyers are not worried about the image of the country. Instead, they promised to stand by. He advised to be vigilant so that such untoward incidents do not happen again in the future.