RMG in disarray
The spine of our economy, the garment sector, is really in vulnerable condition these days. This sector earns more than 75 percent of the foreign currency in exports, employ more than 35 lakh people directly (80 percent women) and about two crore indirectly. Unfortunately, we are losing this resource, achievement and contribution to economy hastily. The losing process should be stopped right now. No excuse can be enough to continue this devastation.
Global economic recession made us worried, especially in this sector, losing exports to developed countries. But till now most of the garment factory owners are continuing in the hope that at some point the difficulties will be removed and the organisations will run smoothly soon. But what is happening to this industry? Who will answer? Of course, and beyond any doubt, the government.
The growth appears to have declined considerably. Buyers are losing interest rapidly and they are switching towards our competitors. Sabotage at the industries has been a common phenomenon. Buyers now believe that Bangladesh has lost its steadiness to be able to produce & supply products timely without disruption like in the past. The buyers are reluctant to maintain a high level of business relationship with a country which is portrayed as one where workers in its garments industries are seething with discontent and can trigger large scale rioting any time. Garments industries operated by foreigners were targeted and they threatened to pull out their investments from Bangladesh. The matter of concern is that nearly 60 per cent of the industries in Bangladesh today do not have adequate work orders.
The unrest continues in the garment industry - another worker was killed as rioting spread across the whole garment factory area in Ashulia. Recently, for consecutives three days in different regions, the so-called workers resorted to destruction. It seems that the government, the sole guardian, is not so concerned to punish the real culprits. Without stopping this trend right now, how will you protect the main pillar of the economy in the upcoming days? Please save this sector and safeguard the economy of Bangladesh.
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