BGMEA rejects reports of gas crisis forcing factory closures

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) yesterday dismissed as “untrue” reports claiming that garment factories were shutting down because of gas shortages.

In a statement, the trade body said factories were not closing due to the gas crisis, although many were operating at 60 percent to 70 percent of their capacity.

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It also rejected reports involving DBL Group, describing claims that the company had shut its factories because of the gas shortage as “completely false and baseless”.

The statement said such misinformation was creating confusion among stakeholders, including international clothing retailers and brands, while undermining the stability of Bangladesh’s garment industry.

Many factories will remain closed on Thursday (August 6) after adjusting their work schedules to coincide with the government holiday on August 5 and the weekly holiday on August 7, in accordance with applicable labour regulations.

According to BGMEA, this is a normal and established operational practice during periods of gas shortages and has no connection with factory closures.

The association warned that publishing unverified and inaccurate reports about factory closures could create serious confusion and unnecessary concern among domestic and international buyers, business partners and other stakeholders.

It added that such misinformation undermines the credibility Bangladesh’s garment industry has built over the years and poses a significant risk not only to the industry but also to the livelihoods of millions of workers who depend on it.

Describing the ready-made garment (RMG) sector as the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, BGMEA urged all media outlets and stakeholders to ensure accurate, responsible and fact-based reporting in the greater interest of the industry and the country.

Speaking to The Daily Star, DBL Group Managing Director M A Jabbar also rejected the reports, saying the company’s factories remained operational.

“It is fake news. It was done to demean us,” Jabbar said.