Garment factory owners have convened an emergency meeting on Saturday to address the ongoing labour unrest that has disrupted production across several industrial belts, including Savar and Gazipur. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is expected to brief the media this afternoon regarding the situation and any decisions taken.

Owners leaning toward indefinite shutdown

According to a Business Standard report, a significant section of factory owners is in favour of keeping their factories closed indefinitely. Workers have refused to join work for consecutive days, severely hampering production schedules. Sources indicate that this prolonged disruption has pushed many owners toward a hardline stance.

Tk32,000 minimum wage demand at the centre

The unrest stems from workers' demand for a minimum wage of Tk32,000. A Dhaka Tribune report states that owners may decide on Saturday whether to indefinitely close around 210 factories in the Ashulia, Jamgora and Hemayetpur areas. The decision comes as production losses mount due to the ongoing work stoppages.

Clashes in Gazipur, traffic restored

In a related development, workers from six to seven garment factories in the Palli Bidyut area of Gazipur took to the highway on Friday, prompting police to fire tear gas and sound grenades to disperse them. Traffic on the affected route has since resumed, according to Dhaka Tribune.

What to expect from the BGMEA briefing

The BGMEA press conference this afternoon is expected to clarify the owners' position on factory closures, the workers' wage demand, and the overall production situation. Industry stakeholders and workers alike are closely watching for the outcome of today's meeting.