Editorial
Turmoil in the RMG sector
Genuine workers' grievances should be addressed
WORKERS' violence is becoming a threat to the stability and normal working environment in the garment sector. Last Sunday's violence in the readymade garment (RMG) units at Ashulia and Jamgarah areas on the outskirts of the capital city has again caused panic among the owners of the factories so much so that, according to reports, production has been suspended in 25 factories. This is certainly bad news for the entire garment sector at a time when it is already reeling from the supply-order shortage from the recession-hit international market. The international factors apart, gas supply constraint is another factor that has forced many garment units in Chittagong to shut down.
The problem of a shrunken market for the garment sector is understandable. The industry, as it did before, especially at the end of the quota-protected era of multi-fibre arrangement (MFA), was again demonstrating its resilience through diversification of market and other timely measures. Briefly said, the RMG sector was well on its way to getting over the crisis of international origin. Hardly could it beat the market-related threat from outside when it has again been attacked from within. But how can it stand such a threat of gratuitous vandalism by quarters whose identity is yet to become clear?
Though the sporadic acts of violence in the RMG sector are often blamed on the workers, now a fresh question is being raised about the real identity of the rowdy elements going by the name of workers, who are in the habit of wreaking havoc on the same factories that provide them with their means of sustenance. Even the owners of the garment units affected by Sunday's vandalism have squarely put the responsibility on the toughs engaged in the so-called 'jhut' (waste garment cloths) trade. The law-enforcement authorities should find out the identity of the real troublemakers, if only for the sake of restoring trust among the owners and workers of the garment sector.
The most unfortunate part of the story is that the highest foreign exchange earners among all the industries of the country are, to all appearances, facing a multi-pronged attack from within and without. As a consequence, the most successful as well as robust sector of the industry so far is now facing the worst crisis in its history. Sadly though, such a volatile condition has been prevailing in the RMG industry for too long to be acceptable.
The authorities concerned must not allow the injury already done to the sector to fester any longer, if only in the greater interest of the industry and the economy. At the same time, the garment owners would do well to listen to the genuine grievances and demands of their workers and address those without further delay. That would help to avoid confusion as well as the risk of unsuspecting garment workers getting drawn into the plot of quarters out to fish in troubled waters.
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