BGMEA has decided to keep all factories open from Thursday after getting the government’s security assurance. As of the last few days, authorities have declared a holiday in at least 167 establishments following protests and vandalism in garment industry-dominated areas.

BGMEA leaders held a meeting at their own building in Uttara of the capital regarding the prevailing situation. Six former presidents of the organization, representatives of various organizations including army, police, industrial police, intelligence agencies participated in it. In the meeting, the business leaders decided to open the factory when the joint forces assured a strict stand to prevent chaos.

Later in the press conference, BGMEA president Khandkar Rafiqul Islam said that we have been assured of maximum security by the joint forces led by the army. If necessary, the miscreants will be arrested. Garment owners have been assured that all factories will be kept open simultaneously from Thursday. So far the army has patrolled the industrial area. However, the joint forces did not have the power of arrest.

According to the sources of the meeting, the present business leaders expressed their opinion that so far the joint forces have tried to convince and stop the agitators. It has the opposite effect. Vandalism has increased. Despite the chaos, no action could be taken. Later the coalition announced a tough stance. Business leaders also termed the demand to hire more male workers than women as ‘weird’.

Meanwhile, in the industrial city of Gazipur, garment workers joined the workplace in groups from this morning. In the morning, workers can be seen going to their workplaces in Bisik, Bhogra Bypass, Bagher Bazar and Mauna areas of Tongir. Normal activities are also going on in the factories.

Army and law enforcement personnel were seen patrolling the intersections as security was beefed up at industrial establishments.

Gazipur Industrial Police SP Sarwar Alam said that the area has been calm since morning. The workers are going to work in groups. Apart from this, District Police, Industrial Police, Metropolitan Police, Army and BGB are working together to prevent any kind of unpleasant situation and maintain law and order situation.